243
Rolex
Ref. 6610 inside caseback stamped 1.57
Explorer
A rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer "Explorer" dial and fitted presentation box
- Estimate
- CHF8,000 - 12,000€6,900 - 10,400$8,300 - 12,400
CHF12,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1957
- Reference No
- 6610 inside caseback stamped 1.57
- Movement No
- N'763'200
- Case No
- 268'005
- Model Name
- Explorer
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1030, 25 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel
- Dimensions
- 36mm. Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Rolex fitted box.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Rolex launched the reference 6610 in 1955. A new generation “Explorer” wristwatch, the model featured an updated movement caliber 1030 movement, which allowed for a flatter case back. The Explorer thus presented a more modern and sleek appearance compared to earlier references, which were fitted with the thicker caliber A296 that required a rounded “bubble back”-type case.
Unlike its successor, reference 1016 displayed "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" on the dial, while the present model, reference 6610 displayed "Officially Certified Chronometer".
This watch has aged gracefully with time. The glossy black lacquer dial has faded over decades of wear, allowing the gilt printing to shine through, remaining incredibly vibrant and bright. This example is testament to the beauty and charm of vintage wristwatches, as no watch ages the same way, showcasing their idiosyncrasies.
The case back is furthermore stamped 1.57, attesting to the originality of the watch.
Unlike its successor, reference 1016 displayed "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" on the dial, while the present model, reference 6610 displayed "Officially Certified Chronometer".
This watch has aged gracefully with time. The glossy black lacquer dial has faded over decades of wear, allowing the gilt printing to shine through, remaining incredibly vibrant and bright. This example is testament to the beauty and charm of vintage wristwatches, as no watch ages the same way, showcasing their idiosyncrasies.
The case back is furthermore stamped 1.57, attesting to the originality of the watch.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
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