Rolex Chronograph 6238

Reference 6238 is historically significant as the direct predecessor to the first Cosmograph Daytona. Produced from approximately 1962 to 1968, it is often called the “Pre-Daytona.” It is powered by the Valjoux 72 manual-wind movement. Its key technical evolution from earlier chronographs was the move to a clean, monochromatic dial (silver or black) with the tachymeter scale printed directly on the dial’s outer track, abandoning the multiple telemeter/miles scales. This streamlined, modern aesthetic on the 36mm Oyster case set the immediate design precedent for the Ref. 6239 Daytona.