Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1987 Reference No: 6426 Case No: R492'864 Model Name: Oyster Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. RB 1225, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 78350, 19, end links stamped 557, max. length 175mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp, stamped 78350, L5 Dimensions: 33mm diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Rolex green leather presentation box, original Guarantee, hang tag, product literature and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The present lot reference 6426 is in an immaculate condition and give an impression how it would look like when it first left the manufacturer. The case appears to be in new old stock condition, with strong factory finish throughout and well preserved bracelet. In addition to the rarity of finding a watch in such excellent condition, it is complete with presentation box, guarantee and sale tag. The watch is further enhanced with the clean and original dial that features the emblem of the U.A.E. Military Force. A beautifully preserved example, a must have collector's watch.
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.