Although Rolex first experimented with '3-6-9' dials in 1953, it was not until the arrival of reference 6350 that the manufacture officially used this dial configuration in their line of production.
The key objective in creating the Explorer was dial legibility. Radium was thus applied to the dial, with the iconic '3-6-9' numerals clearly recognizable even from far away. Unlike reference 6150, which bore ‘Precision’, reference 6350 was marked ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’, confirming the movement had been subject to stricter timing tests.

Following Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s conquering of Mount Everest on 29 May 1953, the Explorer immediately rose to popularity. Rolex was one of the sponsors of the expedition, and supplied Oyster watches to the duo. While Rolex already registered the 'Explorer' patent on January 26, 1953, the name was officially adopted after Hillary and Norgay reached the peak of Everest.

John Goldberger's Opinion

The example presented in these pages, fitted with an attractive black honeycomb dial with radium '3-6-9' Arabic numerals, is really quite stunning. It is the most delightful aspect of this watch.
The ‘Swiss’ dial is correct, and all the luminous material is original to the watch. The ‘Explorer’ dial also features a gilt chapter ring, which we see on early tool watches. The numerals have aged to a warm orange tone, and the gilt lettering and chapter ring is incredibly vibrant.

The case has been preserved in excellent condition, with full proportions, sharp finishes to the top of the lugs and crisp edges. The watch still retains its original Brevet crown.