Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1949 Reference No: 6031 Movement No: G3569 Case No: 683'837 Model Name: Oyster Perpetual Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, jeweled Bracelet/Strap: Leather Dimensions: 35.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Displaying a reeded bezel, this reference 6031 is nicknamed "Ovettone" due to the likeness of its case to an egg.
This extremely well-preserved reference 6031 is incredibly rare in its own right and a sight to behold. Preserved in probably unpolished condition, all hallmarks and numbers between the lugs are crisp and visible. The original crystal remains intact, with a beautiful "crackling", a sign of originality, and the dial that remains beneath is preserved in excellent condition with barely any signs of aging. Very few examples have appeared on the market, no less in such impressive condition. Interestingly, the case back has an engraving with the dates 1930 - 1949 - most likely this watch was given to commemorate a special moment.
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.
