Rolex Vintage Chronograph 6238

The case measures 37mm across, with a 19mm lug width. Case material: Stainless steel. Case size alone is a poor guide to how a watch wears; lug-to-lug length and how the bracelet drops off the case matter more, which is why we suggest trying one on before you commit.

Manual wind, Valjoux 72. It beats at 18,000 vph. The movement uses 17 jewels.

Rolex produced this reference from 1961 to 1965. Production years matter when you are valuing one, because dial, bezel and bracelet details often changed inside a single reference run.

6238 is the immediate predecessor to the Daytona name; pump (non-screw-down) pushers, engraved metal tachymeter bezel, no 'Cosmograph' text on dial, acrylic crystal, Valjoux manual movement. Reading the reference is the fastest way to confirm that a watch is what the seller says it is, before you get anywhere near the movement.

Pre-Daytona, pump pushers, no screw-down, engraved metal bezel. Collector nicknames are not official Rolex names, but they are what people actually search for and what they are called across a showroom.

Yes. We buy this reference outright, and we lend against it if you would rather keep it. We are a family-owned San Diego buyer established in 2006, our appraisers are GIA-trained, and the appraisal is complimentary with no obligation to sell. You can bring it to our Gaslamp showroom at 907 Sixth Ave or start online. If you are looking to buy this reference instead, tell us and we will let you know when one comes in.