Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1953 Reference No: 6305 Movement No: 65'630 Case No: 948'395 Model Name: Oyster Perpetual "Datejust" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 745, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Rolex gold plated buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed. Accessories: Accompanied by original Rolex Certificate.
Catalogue Essay
Throughout Rolex’s history, the "crowned" firm has continued to constantly innovate classic styles established early on in the company’s history. The Datejust is one of the most beloved models in the company, first introduced in 1945, and still in production today.
The present reference 6305 is highly sought after and rare, as it features a very unusual dial, and remains to be one of the most exclusive, early Datejusts known to date. This remarkable example from circa 1953 features a roulette date wheel and black dial with an uncommon hour marker configuration of diamonds and applied gold daggers, with a similar pattern seen exclusively on the triple calendar with moon phase reference 6062. To date, there are only three examples of the reference 6062 with a similar dial, including the famed “Bao Dai”.
This watch was originally retailed by Jost in Genova, still retaining the Jost strap, and is accompanied by the original Rolex guarantee. With its coin-edge bezel and extremely well-preserved case, this watch is a truly spectacular Datejust rarely, if ever, seen on the market.
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. 6305 A very fine and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with date, black dial, diamond hour markers and original guarantee, retailed by Jost, Genova
Circa 1953 36mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed.
