Description

Rolex released its first Explorer model in late 1953 – early 1954 to celebrate the success of the British conquest of Everest by Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. The watch you see here was the forerunner to the Explorer and has the same 3 – 6 – 9 compass dial as the first Explorer model.

This is a classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Large’ Bubbleback, with a charming ivory cream dial with ‘Arrowhead’ hour indices and original ‘Lance’ hands. This is Rolex model reference 6084 with the Calibre 10½” A269 Chronometer automatic movement.

This is one of the earliest Rolex Oyster Perpetuals with the larger 34mm Bubble Back 14ct gold case. It carries the rare Super Oyster crown (see below) and the sought after plain bezel, which along with the rest of the case, is in wonderful condition.

This watch has been sympathetically restored and in wonderful condition and ready for many more years of faithful service!

This watch is superb throughout and is very much the classic Rolex timepiece, perfectly suited for all occasions and also for everyday use.

The Dial

The original classic 3 – 6 – 9 ivory cream dial looks superb with the original ‘Lance’ hands and faceted applied ‘Arrowhead’ hour indices. As mentioned above, this dial design is the same as used for the first Rolex Explorer model released in late 1953 – early 1954.

The dial is the model of Rolex 1950s elegance and simplicity. The absence of a date function contributes to a perfectly balanced dial, crowned of course with the perennial Rolex ‘Coronet’ at 12 o’clock. In addition to this, the dial is simply signed ‘Rolex’, ‘Oyster Perpetual’ and ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’ with ‘Swiss,’ at the very bottom of the dial.

This dial and hands are original to this watch and have been previously restored. This has been carried out sympathetically and to a high standard. The dial and hands are beginning to show some slight signs of ageing again, making the dial is very presentable with just a few giveaway traces of ageing, character, and charm.

A new correct replacement Rolex lens has been fitted and therefore has no marks or scratches.

The Movement

The original high grade, Rolex Calibre 10½ ” A269, 19 Jewel Chronometer automatic movement is in superb condition. The watch is running perfectly following a complete overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This involves completely dismantling the movement to all its component parts, close examination under high magnification, then using only genuine Rolex replacement parts where required, careful reassembly and lubrication using Rolex specified lubricants.

This particular movement is sparkling clean and winds, sets and runs perfectly, just as it should. When finally tested following its overhaul, this watch was found to be keeping superb time to within +5 seconds per day!These Chronometer grade movements are very strong, very accurate and very reliable making this watch perfectly suitable for both evening wear and everyday use, should you so wish. This movement is in superb, sparkling clean, A1 condition and with regular servicing, say every 3 – 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily another lifetime!

The Case

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubblebacks draw their name from the bulbous case-back designed to accommodate Rolex’s early Calibre 10½” A269 automatic movement and rotor. The movements are deeper on these earlier Oyster Perpetuals, produced between 1950 and circa 1954 and these are popularly known as the ‘large’ Bubblebacks, as these watches had a 34mm Oyster case, as opposed to the ‘small’ Rolex Bubblebacks which were produced with a 32mm case, between 1934 and 1950.

This is the classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual waterproof case in 14ct yellow gold which measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarkably, this watch still has its original Super Oyster (non screw-down) waterproof crown. This is rare, partly because these were only produced for only around two or three years and also because many of these were later converted to the later screw-down Oyster crowns.

This is the Rolex model reference 6084 Bubbleback case with the sought after plain bezel, which just like the rest of the case – the sides, lugs and case-back – are in superb condition.

Please note – as part of the restoration we have replaced all the rubber seals on the case-back and the winding crown and stem tube. However, although the watch was specified as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1952.

The Rolex Oyster presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high-quality brown Crocodile strap has been fitted, along with a matching gold plated Rolex buckle.

In Conclusion

We have here a superb example of a mid-1950s vintage gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback in immaculate condition. It is the classic Rolex automatic of the period, the evolution of which remains in production to this day. It is completely practical for every day and much more interesting, charming and individual than the modern equivalent. With careful use and if treated with care, this watch will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece.

Even though vintage Rolex prices have risen markedly in the past few years, we still feel fine examples such as this, have a very long way to go. We say this because as every year passes, the global market for vintage Rolex watches is expanding rapidly, with a subsequent effect on prices.

In summary, this is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will also provide excellent reliability and a sound financial investment – as long-lasting as the watch itself!