Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1951 Reference No: 6062 Movement No: N32558 Case No: 690'031 Model Name: Oyster Perpetual "Stelline" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 9 3/4''', 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped "1 50" Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
Fully infused with Rolex's genetic codes with its Oyster case, in-house automatic movement and Jubilee bracelet, reference 6062 further features a complication only seen in another reference (non-waterproof reference 8171): a triple calendar and moonphase display. Known at the time as a brand specialising in professional timepieces rather than dress watch, it was extremely unusual for Rolex to venture into the realm of complicated calendar watches, and the fact that they made only two such models testified to this. In fact, the market regarded with suspicion these more complicated Rolex creations, resulting in their current remarkable scarcity.
Launched in 1950, and produced for only a handful of years, this reference was available in stainless steel, yellow gold and pink gold, and offered with different dial variations. The faceted star dial, as seen on the present watch, is beyond doubt the most whimsical and collectible of all the variations, so much that the watch was given its nickname “Stelline” (“Small stars” in Italian). In fact, luminous star dials come in two different variations: one with luminous accents present next to the star indexes, and the present more collectible one, where the star indexes present a recess at the centre into which the luminous material is applied. Rolex considered the model a top-of-the-line timepiece, with an in-house automatic movement, and upgraded with a full calendar and moonphase indication.
When introduced, ref. 6062 was groundbreaking: it was the first automatic watch with triple calendar and moonphase indication housed in a water-resistant case to ever grace the market.
The present yellow gold reference 6062 has been lovingly taken care of by its current owner and it remains in very honest condition. The case is strong and fully preserves its original proportions. The dial graphics are flawless, and the day and date apertures are sharp and angular, demonstrating the originality of the dial. A strong patina has developed with age, increasing the vintage allure of the watch. The luminous material has been very carefully restored to a warm camel hue, perfectly harmonising with the rest of the dial.
This example of the model furthermore comes with its original 18-karat yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet stamped “1 50” to the clasp, adding inimitable panache to the model.
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.
Ref. 6062 A highly important, very impressive and extremely fine yellow gold automatic triple calendar wristwatch with moonphases, luminous star dial and bracelet
Circa 1951 36mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed