Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1953 Reference No: 6098 Movement No: 22’798; H 90’485 Case No: 911’992 Model Name: Oyster Perpetual Ovettone Stelline Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, copper-gilt cal. A260, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, strap, and buckle signed.
Catalogue Essay
“For the man to whom time means so much…and discriminating appearance is of the utmost” begins the period advertisement for the reference 6098 with “star” dial, called by Rolex at the time the “Galaxy” but better known to collectors today as the Stelline. Rarely are these gems seen at auction, and when they do appear they draw the eyes of the most distinguished collectors.
Coming from the collection of a prominent and discreet American collector, the present reference 6098 with cream “waffle” dial and delightful, star-shaped hour markers is fresh-to-the market and preserved in peerless condition, with the dial impeccably preserved and each dot of luminous material to the stars perfectly plump and intact. Rolex adorned very rare versions of their watches with tiny stars – only five references (6024, 6062, 6088, 6098, and 6090) - beginning in 1946 but most commonly in the years between 1950 and 1953. To further set this piece apart, the automatic caliber A260 is the special gilt, copper-colored movement that Rolex placed in only the most special timepieces.
The present reference 6098 preserved in exceptional original condition is fitted with a period-correct Rolex strap and 18K yellow gold Rolex buckle, with excellent proportions to the case, which has been treasured over the past seventy years. It is a magnificent trophy watch for the most discerning connoisseur.
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.
