Vintage Rolex Chronograph Pre-Daytona Ref 6238 Black Dial

This Pre-Daytona ref. 6238 with black dial is in overall great, honest vintage condition with normal signs of wear. The case is in good condition with some scratches, nicks, and normal signs of wear; it has been polished. The inside caseback is stamped “6238 CRS 2.” Between the lugs show some wear and the numbers are clearly visible. The dial is in overall great, honest condition with some patina and some small areas of wear that can be hard to notice. The hands and hour markers have developed patina. The lume on the dial has developed patina and some plots show signs of degradation (3 & 9 o'clock are mostly gone). The dial has a small spot near the 9 o’clock lume plot. The edge of the dial shows some wear. The small sub-dial running seconds hand appears to be a replacement and the other small sub-dial hands are possibly replacements. This watch has a Rolex USA made by JB Champion “Oval” link jubilee bracelet with 20 links. The bracelet is in overall good, honest condition with scratches and normal signs of wear; it has some stretch between the links which is not uncommon for this style bracelet. The part of the clasp where it bends has some marks, most likely from plyers tightening it. When looking at the inside clasp, the serial number is hand-written on it. This was most likely done by a watchmaker when the watch went in for service so they made sure to not mix up bracelets. We have seen this many times before. The crystal is a Rolex service replacement and the watch will come with the one that was on it. This will come with two extra bracelet links. 

Rolex introduced the reference 6238 in 1962, producing it until around 1968. Known as the “Pre-Daytona,” it directly preceded the iconic 6239—the first Daytona—earning its nickname as the definitive model that came just before. While “Pre-Daytona” is often used broadly for early Rolex chronographs, this is the one that truly fits the bill.

Rolex offered the 6238 in stainless steel and 14k or 18k gold, with dial options in silver, grey, and black—each with subtle variations. Most were silver, making this rare black dial version especially desirable. This example has the black dial with “T Swiss T” at the bottom and applied silver text. It was also the last Rolex chronograph to feature a tachymeter scale printed directly on the dial and was fitted with baton-style hands which were used in the Daytona models.

This example comes directly from the family of the original owner. The story goes that in 1968, our client’s father bought two 6238s: a black dial version for his own father and a silver one for himself. The watches were eventually passed down, with our client receiving the black dial and his brother the silver. It’s incredible that the box and papers were saved all these years.

The watch remains in well-preserved, honest condition and is fitted with a JB Champion, made in USA “oval” link bracelet, consistent with the “ROW” U.S. import stamp on the movement. The original guarantee paperwork confirms it was sold in United States on November 11, 1968—further aligning with its U.S. market origins. Interestingly, these were sold along side the Daytona 6239, which makes the original owner's preference for the 6238 all the more intriguing.

Included are two pieces of Rolex service documentation from 1994, both bearing the serial number and one listing the original owner's name—matching our seller’s last name. It's always nice when we can line up the provenance! The papers show a service in February 1994 and a follow-up visit in April for regulation.

Black dial Pre-Daytona reference 6238s are exceptionally rare, but finding one with box, papers, and direct family provenance is almost unheard of. We’re thrilled to offer this fresh-to-market piece and help it find a new home with a collector who will appreciate its history and rarity.