Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1957 Reference No: 6605 Movement No: N’739’708 Case No: 320’036 Model Name: DateJust Material: 18K yellow gold Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Jubliee bracelet, max length 205mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 2.59 Dimensions: 35.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed.
Catalogue Essay
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 change, a feature so influential that we take for granted today. Unlike its siblings, the Daytona and Submariner, the Datejust was not engineered for an active lifestyle but rather designed to be a quietly exceptional timepiece for the distinguished owner. There are several defining features of a Rolex Datejust: the “Jubilee” bracelet that debuted at the same time(jubilee referencing the 40th anniversary), the fluted bezel that adds a flair of extravagance and, of course, the iconic date at 3 o’clock.
While all Datejusts share the same blueprint, not all are born equal. This current lot, a yellow gold 6605, was clearly born more attractive than most. It was configured in a deep black lacquered “pie-pan” dial, pointed alpha hands and a matching yellow gold Jubilee bracelet. As if that wasn’t enough, time has been extraordinarily kind to this particular watch. The yellow gold case is preserved in fantastic condition as evidenced by the sharp hallmark. The all original lacquer dial, with its radium lume still mildly active, has taken on not only a spider web motif but also shades of brunette, reminiscing a delicious crème brûlée. One can only imagine how stunning this dial will grow to be with additional time and love.
As such, this watch is not just an icon, it is a reliable and charming companion that will age merrily alongside its fortunate owner.
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.
