Rolex Reference 6034 | A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with tropical gilt dial, Circa 1952 | 勞力士 型號 6034 精鋼計時腕錶配棕色鍍金錶盤，製作年份約 1952

Property of an American Gentleman
Rolex

Reference 6034
A stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with tropical gilt dial, Circa 1952

勞力士 型號 6034
精鋼計時腕錶配棕色鍍金錶盤，製作年份約 1952

Dial: gilt black, tropical
Caliber: cal. 72 mechanical, 17 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back
Case number: 847'414
Closure: stainless steel Rolex buckle
Size: 36 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: no
Accessories: Rolex presentation box with outer packaging

Condition Report:
Case: The case is in overall very good condition with light surface scratches visible and signs of previous light polish.

Dial: The service tritium dial is in overall excellent condition for its age. It has taken on an attractive rich chocolate/warm tobacco coloration , most notable in the center of the dial. The luminous plots and hands have aged evenly throughout. Lume plot missing at 8 o'clock.

Movement: The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.

**Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping and the state of California.**

Catalogue Note:
Amongst the most coveted vintage Rolex models, the Reference 6034 and 6234 must be considered, especially when boasting the qualities of the present lot. This lot is an especially attractive example, dressed with a beautiful and original glossy gilt black dial heightened by warm expresso coloring from age. The original Super Oyster crown adds another layer of originality and rarity to the wristwatch.

Glossy gilt dials from Rolex are highly collectable as they were manufactured for a very short period of time across various models. Different layering techniques and new materials at the time were used and applied to the metal base, often using an inverse printing technique. These types of dials are a testament to Rolex's commitment high quality manufacturing and their fearless use of new materials.

The Rolex Reference 6034 succeeded the Reference 4537 and was produced from the 1950s to the early 1960s, a rather short production period, making the present lot a wonderful opportunity for collectors.

For similar stainless steel references 6034 models with black gilt dials see I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 240 & 241 and 256 & 257.

A similar watch of the same reference is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 114, 115.