Rolex was the first watch manufacturer to produce waterproof wristwatches in larger series. Following their earliest cushion-shaped designs, the “Bubble Back” generation was the main model for over a decade before it was replaced by larger, more modern Oyster case-designs, amongst collectors affectionately called “Large Bubble” or “Ovettone”. Reference 6150 in steel was the first model to feature a black dial with strong luminous arabic and baton numerals – today immediately recognisable as the Explorer dial design. The line was marketed to adventurers and in particular mountain climbers. It was launched in 1953 to celebrate Edmond Hillary and Tensing Norgay’s ascension of Mt. Everest, who wore Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatches during their historic climb.
Launched in the early 1950s, the reference 6150 is one of the rarest and earliest examples of the “Explorer” model. Some collectors refer to the reference as a “pre-Explorer” since the first Rolex reference to carry the “Explorer” designation was the model 6350, which was only manufactured in 1953. Early examples of the reference 6150 do not carry the “Explorer” name, and only read “Precision”, however in later years the designation was added to the dial. The present lot is a lovely example of this early model. The highly legible black dial, with its 3-6-9 numerals and Mercedes-style hands, exhibits the iconic characteristics of the Explorer family of watches. The case back is engraved “H. S. 10 CD”, which stand for HS = Hydrographic Service
HS 10 = waterproof wrist watch for divers, CD= Clearance Diver, denoting the watch was issued to a British military diver working for the hydrographic services.