Before the Daytona earned its place as Rolex’s definitive chronograph, there was its predecessor — the model collectors now call the Pre-Daytona. Better defined as a “transitional” model it was a classic more refined gentleman’s chronograph that remained in production into the late 1960s.

Produced in stainless steel as well as 14k and 18k yellow gold, the Pre-Daytona appeared with a variety of dial configurations. Among them, the black galvanic dials are considered the most coveted. Found primarily in early serial batches, these dials are believed to have been discontinued quickly — likely due to the galvanic process’s high error rate — in favor of simpler printed dials. Their stealthy, almost understated beauty makes surviving galvanic examples truly extraordinary finds.

Which brings us to the watch before us — a piece we are genuinely proud to present. Fresh to market and in astonishingly original condition, this Rolex 6238 is among the finest galvanic Pre-Daytonas to surface in the collecting world — a true reference-grade example. Its dial is superbly preserved, the gilt printing as vibrant as the day it left the factory. Every lume plot remains intact, having aged into a vivid, warm lemon hue. Unlike most, it retains its original early thin Mk1 hands and short pushers — features rarely seen today. The unpolished case is equally striking, a testament to how seldom such untouched preservation is encountered.

On discovery, the movement underwent a full service. The manual-wind caliber 722 bears a “ROW” stamp, confirming it was destined for the North American market — a detail that perfectly aligns with its provenance from an 82-year-old U.S. veteran, its original owner.

An exceptional Paul Newman is undeniably rare, but beside this, a galvanic Pre-Daytona of this caliber redefines the very idea of rarity. Finding another in this state is less a matter of patience and more a matter of feasible reality.

(Item: INVDBV_35)