Rolex Explorer I 6150 Gilt Chapter Ring Dial Lollipop Hand
Inspired by the first-ever successful summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who wore a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, the Rolex Explorer has long been Rolex's ultimate adventure watch. Constructed entirely from Rolex's 904L steel, the Explorer's robust design ensures that it can always battle the elements. Featuring some of Rolex's most capable movements and a rich heritage to boot, the Explorer is another display of their timeless design as this icon of watchmaking has remained virtually untouched in its aesthetic since its inception. Identifiable by its signature 3-6-9 glossy black dial, a flat stainless steel bezel, and entirely satin-brushed stainless steel case and bracelet, the Rolex Explorer has become renowned for its understated class, sporty elegance, and capable construction.
Legendary as what a lot of collectors determine to be the earliest Explorer reference, the short-lived ref. 6150 was launched in 1952 and produced only until 1953 and features all of the design signatures that we expect from a vintage Explorer. These come in the form of its lacquered black gilt dial, iconic 3-6-9 dial layout and 36mm stainless steel Oyster case. Featuring radium lume and the iconic ‘Explorer’ signature at 6 o’clock, this example’s dial is in great condition, given how radium can impact some dials. Fitted with the automatic cal. A296 movement, the Explorer ref. 6150 features a more bulbous caseback than the modern Rolex standard, a marker of its vintage essence. A truly iconic design with wonderful flourishes that remind its wearer of its vintage and original purpose, this Rolex Explorer ref. 6150 will make for an excellent addition to anyone’s collection.
Brand : Rolex
Model : Explorer
Reference : 6150
Year : 1953
Material : Stainless steel
Dial Color : Black
Dimensions : 36mm
Movement : Automatic cal. A296
Bracelet : Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Condition : Very Good
Included : Watch only
THE DIAL Featuring a sleek black dial with large radium-filled hands, indices and Arabic numerals populating 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, the Explorer ref. 6150's popularity amongst collectors has aided in making the Explorer's dial design a true icon within Rolex's offering.
THE CONSTRUCTION While its hollow end and center links, acrylic crystal, radium dial, and fold-over clasp provide a beautifully pure expression of what a vintage Rolex was like to wear back in its heyday, the ref. 6150's 36mm diameter was certainly not the norm when it was released, with it dwarfing most watches from the time.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
