Rolex Explorer I 6610

ROLEX EXPLORER 6610

THE ESSENTIALS MAKE: ROLEX MODEL: 6610 YEAR: 1957 BOX/PAPERS: NO /NO CASE DIAMETER: 36 mm CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC We get a lot of pieces through the doors at Fathom, some are more special than others, this watch is certainly one of them - the Explorer 6610. This timepiece has been preserved in its original form, complete with its distinctive radium dial and hands. Its untouched authenticity is highly valued by vintage watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Technically, the Explorer 6610 is driven by the caliber 1030 movement which operates at 18,000 beats per hour and delivers a power reserve of about 35 hours. The model is also significant for introducing the iconic 3-6-9 Arabic numeral layout that has since become synonymous with the Explorer line. In terms of historical context, the Explorer 6610 emerged around 1955 as the successor to the inaugural Explorer 6150. The latter model was a tribute to the monumental achievement of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, who scaled Mount Everest in 1953. However, the Explorer 6610 was produced only for a short period until 1960, when it was replaced by the 1016 model. This brief production run contributes to the 6610's rarity, especially in such well-preserved, original condition. The watch is in great condition an the case still nice and full. The only two parts that are not original is the crown and the bracelet. The dial, glass, handset and caseback are all correct, and the movement of course. The 12 o'clock marker has had some reluming with early tritium as evident under UV, this most likely occurred decades ago as this type of lume is no longer available. The rest of hands and markers are all radium and produce a high Geiger reading. The watch is paired with a period American made jubilee bracelet.