The Rolex Oyster Chronograph replica watch is often taken as the grandfather of the Rolex Daytona. Manufactured from 1955 to 1961, it provides many of the same features as the Daytona but lacks much of its technological innovation. For instance, reference 6234 utilizes Rolex Caliber 72 with 17 jewels and column wheel construction. Therefore, reference 6234 lacks an automatic movement, as the Daytona possesses. This well-known replica must be manually wound rather than automatically winding with the flick of the wrist.
Rolex made around 500 reference 6234’s per year during its 6-year production run, averaging at a full production number of about 2300 stainless steel models and less than 150 14k and 18k gold models. The dial was also varying in design, with some watches featuring a white dial while others featured a black dial.
The three sub-dials featured on the main dial varied between some pieces as well. The three sub-dials offer a constant seconds counter at 9 o’clock, a 30 minute counter at 3 o’clock, and a 12 hour counter at 6 o’clock. These sub-dials allow the wearer to simultaneously measure speed and distance. Reference 6234 also features a tachometer scale on the outer ring and a telemeter scale for distances on the inner ring. The timepiece is topped with a plastic crystal, rather than the later synthetic sapphire crystal. Each watch is also typically finished off with an oyster riveted bracelet. Depending on the watch finish or later alteration the oyster bracelet could be made of stainless steel, 14k gold, 18k gold, or leather.
The Oyster crown is set at the 3 o’clock mark and is flanked by twin round pushers, giving the watch a sporty appearance. Though not a Daytona feature, a surprising technically innovative feature of reference 6234 is its magnetic resistance, which aids in maintaining the timepiece’s precision and accuracy. Some similarities between the later Daytona and reference 6234 include the utilization of the replica Rolex’s patented oyster case, which can withstand water pressure and remain waterproof up to 200 meters. The oyster case maintains its water-resistance through the use of three components; bezel, case body, and a screw-down case back.
The Rolex replica Chronograph 6234 is one of the most prized vintages Rolex watches as the forerunner of the Rolex Daytona. But it does not give the convenience of automatic winding, and it does offer many wonderful features Rolex eventually incorporated into their later models. The Rolex Chronograph 6234 is a must-have piece for any Rolex collection, not only as a wonderful example of Rolex history, but as vintage, yet totally wearable watch.