Geneva, Nov 04, 2023

LOT 201

ROLEX, SWITZERLAND, REF. 6202, MONOMETER, STAINLESS STEEL

CHF 20,000 - 40,000

EUR 21,100 - 42,100 / USD 22,200 - 44,300 / HKD 174,000 - 348,000

Sold: CHF 57,500

An extremely rare, historically important, stainless steel, self winding diver's wristwatch


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-6-01

Very good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex, Switzerland

Model monometer

Reference 6202

Year 1953

Case No. 949579

Diameter 36

Caliber A260, 19 jewels

Signature Dial, Case and movement signed

Accessories spare original crystal

Notes

The Monometer is considered one of the rarest pre-Submariners based on a new reference the 6202 that would become the Turnograph.
These were launched almost simultanously alongside some of the earliest Submariners reference 6204 that features some of the same characteristics and also with the unusual Sub-Aqua name.
Rolex registers the brand name Mono-Meter in June 1953 and the first examples are released immediately as the caseback indicates a production of III.53. Made in 2 separate versions, one with a honeycomb dial and the other such as this example featuring a regular dial but both have the split name Oyster Perpetual on the dial. These also have a very distinctive bezel only found on these early Monometers with a bezel featuring minute markers all around and the early pencil and lollipop hands.

From the known examples below, one can immediately notice how close the case numbers are indicating a very small production (some scholars believe less than one hundred) and probably one of the rarest known pre-Submariners ever made. Unknown to the market, this example was found recently in the UK and has remained untouched from its origin, still featuring the original bezel, hands and an immediate reaction to the Geiger counter. Considering how small the production of these models are, any new example discovered represent an important find and a more than rare opportunity to acquire one of the earliest dive watches produced by Rolex.

Known examples of Rolex 6202 Monometer

6202, serial 949477, honeycomb dial, Antiquorum, November 12, 2006, lot 366
6202, serial 949401, regular dial, Antiquorum, March 17, 2013, lot 493
6202, serial 949579, regular dial, current lot
6202, serial 949738, regular dial, Antiquorum, May 11, 2014, lot 270
6202, serial 949742, regular dial, Antiquorum May 9, 2021
6202, serial 949484, honeycomb dial, Phillips, November 12, 2016, lot 49

Provenance

Property of the original British family