Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1951 Reference No: 6090 Movement No: F31296 and 46686 Case No: 730'210 Model Name: "Bombé" Material: 18K yellow gold and enamel Calibre: Automatic, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Gay Frères bracelet, max length 170mmm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped 2.54 Dimensions: 33mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
Showcasing beautiful curves known as "bombé lugs", the present watch is fitted with a striking, eye-catching and absolutely spectacular blue enamel dial. The quality of the present timepiece is outstanding. The blue enamel appears bright yet translucent and has an even, rich and saturated tone. Every detail is taken into account. The enameler has painted a perfect and small circular ring around the center post where the dial plate meets the enamel, attesting to the meticulous work of Stern Frères. Furthermore, the gold graphics glint against the rich blue background, perfectly complementing the gold hour markers.
Most importantly, the back of the dial is stamped with the internal number for Stern Frères, the esteemed dial maker, further attesting to its originality.
The case is also preserved in excellent condition, with thick bevels and curves throughout. There is a strong hallmark beneath the lug, which is deep and crisp, attesting to the beautiful condition of the timepiece. It is even accompanied by a Gay Frères bracelet stamped for 1954, which is in excellent and superb condition as well.
Founded 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.