1955 Rolex Oyster Chronograph ref. 6234 “Pre-Daytona” Small Subdials

Up for grabs is a Rolex Oyster Chronograph Pre-Daytona in steel

6234 reference

130,XXX serial number circa early 1955 production.

This watch came to me earlier this year, around May. The family wanted to sell it after sending it in to Rolex for their “Aterlier de Restauration” service estimate. Rolex verified the watch for them and gave them a “normal” estimate of $22,000 to do the restoration with about year lead time. Understanding that such investment is not worth the price for this piece, they took it back without any work done and I ended up purchasing it as is. Since the watch wasn’t running and top of the lugs were sleeve polished after decades of regular wear, I decided to send the watch to LA Watchworks for a service and restoration of brushed finises on the lugs. They performed a $5,000 service which included overhaul of the movement, new crystal, case refinish, new gaskets, new pushers (period correct), and crown. A tension spring for the minute counter was also replaced, so the chronograph functions as it should now. The watch is under their service warranty, which will be passed on to the new owner. The watch was found on a leather strap with generic buckle originally, so I kept it on the strap, just replaced it with a brand new vintage style strap.

Excellent vintage condition case without major dings or dents. No corrosion or pitting. Serial and reference numbers are fully intact and clearly visible. Thick and even lugs lugs throughout.

Dial is original, SWISS only, radium markers, and extremely attractive with bi-color print. The dial has “the right amount” of aging throughout, but the colors are still vibrant and legible on the print. All radium plots are intact and hands are original with matching radium lume. No intervention on the dial, meaning on relume, no refinish, no cleaning, etc.

Caseback is original, correctly stamped 6234 and is in excellent vintage condition.

No box or papers. Watch winds smoothly, runs well. Chrono runs, stops, and resets.