Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1956 Reference No: 6605 Movement No: N712167 Case No: 261'921 Model Name: Datejust Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1065, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex Jubilee, max. length 207 mm Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold deployant clasp Dimensions: 36 mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: With fitted presentation box
Catalogue Essay
Reference 6605 is a highly sought after Rolex Datejust, first introduced in the 1950s and fitted with the automatic caliber 1065.
The present example is exceedingly rare, as the chronometer designation on the champagne colored dial is printed in German, reading “Superlativer Chronometer Amtlich Geprüft”. Rolex’s reasoning for this was most probably to help solicit orders for the Datejust in German speaking countries. The dial is also complemented with the unusual applied dagger hour markers. Enhancing the beautiful gold case, this watch is fitted with a yellow gold Jubilee bracelet.
This example was well preserved, and is accompanied by a presentation box and papers. For any collector of rare and interesting vintage Rolex watches, this watch will not disappoint.
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.