Ref. 6350; inside caseback stamped 6350 IV.53 18An exceptionally well-preserved, early, and extremely rare stainless steel wristwatch with gilt honeycomb dial, and bracelet, with box, and signed provenance letter
Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: Circa 1953
Reference No: 6350; inside caseback stamped 6350 IV.53 18
Movement No: 46’698; H 840
Case No: 955’837
Model Name: Explorer
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Automatic, cal. A296, 18 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel expandable Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 58, max length 210mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped 4.55
Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet, and clasp signed.
Accessories: Accompanied by original Rolex box and signed provenance letter.In 1953, Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary successfully summited Mount Everest and it was no coincidence that in the same year, Rolex released the reference 6350 with “Explorer” on the dial – the first of its kind. It was the first of the great sports watches from Rolex – the others being the GMT Master, the Daytona, and the Submariner – to be released to the public. It is distinguished by the “3-6-9” dial layout that is a mainstay of the model to this day, and was implemented for its legibility.
Certain early reference 6350s were fitted with a “waffle” or “honeycomb” dial, such as the present example, as opposed to a smooth glossy dial, and this trait is highly sought after by collectors. Upon close inspection, the dial is made of diamond-shaped tessellations that are textured in appearance, rather than the hexagonal comb created by honeybees. Matched with a gilt chapter ring and printing, it is a striking and coveted combination rarely found in the oeuvre of vintage Rolex dials.
This particular reference 6350 is truly breathtaking. It was consigned by the original owner, who received this watch from his future wife as a gift while she was on holiday in Switzerland in the mid-1950s. He was, along with his brother, the first scuba diver in Victoria, British Columbia. This 6350 was his companion during many dives over his career and was utilized specifically in timing spear fishing and octopus wrestling competitions. It also enjoyed a storied career on land as the owner went on safari, cycled all over the world, and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite its rough-and-tumble life, the watch remains in exceptional condition, with a razor-sharp case and beautifully preserved dial. Accompanied with a touching letter from the original owner, the present example is amongst the finest examples of a reference 6350 ever to come to market.
Consigned by the Original Owner
