Launched on the 40th anniversary of Rolex in 1945, the Datejust is an icon that is in production still to this day. The Datejust started a revolution then by being the first automatic watch with an instantaneous date aperture - a feature so influential that we take for granted today. Since then, the model has never left the pages of Rolex’s catalogues, with dozens of references created over the decades.

Datejust production can be divided into three broad categories defined by the automatic movement beating within: the original cal. A.295 (and its upgrade A.296) are the first used for the model, from 1945 to 1956. Then, with the advent of references 6605 and 6604, the new calibre generation is introduced. It lasts until 1977 and features cal. 1065, 1565 and 1575. As the movement was thinner, the case also became thinner, losing the slight bulge of the caseback.

The present reference 6605 is amongst the rarest Datejust models. Made only for three years between 1956 and 1959 - together with the sister reference 6604, featuring a smooth bezel. Beautifully faceted dagger indexes and a roulette date wheel are both attractive and collectible features, but the highlight of this reference 6605 is written in tiny red text on the dial: Datejust 50m = 165ft. This designation on a non-professional model like the Datejust is an indisputable rarity, and has only been seen on a handful of vintage pieces. Many of them bear serial numbers around 11X’XXX (see the three previous Rolex Explorer “Red Depth” reference 6610s sold at Phillips) like the present example. To find one on any non-professional Rolex model is rare; to find one on an 18K gold model is truly exceptional.

Fitted on a period-correct, small crocodile grain Rolex strap with solid gold Rolex buckle, this water-resistant reference 6605 is an elegant jewel of the “Ride the Wave” collection that captivated him with its rarity, beauty, and overall state of preservation.