1950s Rolex Oyster Royal, Explorer Style
1950s Rolex Oyster Royal, Explorer Style
32166
Mid-1950s Rolex Oyster "Shock-Resisting" Ref. 6244.
A distinctive example of mid-century Rolex design wristwatch, this manual-wind Rolex Oyster Ref. 6244 dates to approximately 1952-1956 and captures the rugged, understated character of the brand's early tool-watch era.
At its heart is a richly aged golden-bronze "tropical" dial, its natural patina giving the watch an unmistakable vintage character. The dial follows the now-iconic Explorer-style layout, with prominent Arabic 3-6-9 numerals, applied dart-shaped hour markers, a Rolex coronet at 12 o'clock, and elegant dauphine hands. Above 6 o'clock, the original "SHOCK-RESISTING" signature highlights the watch's robust construction and period engineering.
The 32mm stainless steel Oyster case retains strong proportions and crisp profile lines, complemented by an original screw-down crown. Inside, the watch is powered by the Rolex Calibre 710 manual-wind movement, incorporating Rolex's shock-absorption system and described as winding smoothly and running reliably.
The watch is fitted with a period-appropriate stainless steel folded-link Rolex Oyster bracelet, completing its authentic mid-century appearance.
Adding considerable appeal is the accompanying rare, period-correct mid-1950s Rolex presentation box. The deep-green trapezoidal leatherette box features gold-tooled Rolex script and decorative edge scrollwork, a cream satin inner lid with vintage Rolex branding, and an emerald velvet base with a matching watch-roll cuff.
With its naturally aged tropical dial, early Oyster construction, original period details, and rare presentation box, this Ref. 6244 offers a compelling snapshot of Rolex during the formative years of its tool-watch heritage.
Details
Circa: 1952-1956
Reference: 6244
Case: 32mm stainless steel Oyster
Movement: Rolex Calibre 710, manual wind
Dial: Golden-bronze tropical dial with Explorer-style 3-6-9 configuration
Hands: Dauphine
Crown: Original screw-down Oyster crown
Bracelet: Period-appropriate stainless steel folded-link Oyster bracelet
Accessories: Rare period-correct mid-1950s Rolex presentation box
Condition: Honest historic surface wear with strong overall definition
Dimensions:
1950-1999
Circa 1950's
Switzerland
Honest historic surface wear with strong overall definition
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![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.sportantiques.co.uk/accessories/1950s-rolex-oyster-royal-explorer-style&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/sportantiques-64hFGwj3-uEHU73t22/stock/6aa129ddc99bb_3_32166.jpg&description=Mid-1950s Rolex Oyster "Shock-Resisting" Ref. 6244.A distinctive example of mid-century Rolex design wristwatch, this manual-wind Rolex Oyster Ref. 6244 dates to approximately 1952-1956 and captures the rugged, understated character of the brand's early tool-watch era.At its heart is a richly aged golden-bronze "tropical" dial, its natural patina giving the watch an unmistakable vintage character. The dial follows the now-iconic Explorer-style layout, with prominent Arabic 3-6-9 numerals, applied dart-shaped hour markers, a Rolex coronet at 12 o'clock, and elegant dauphine hands. Above 6 o'clock, the original "SHOCK-RESISTING" signature highlights the watch's robust construction and period engineering.The 32mm stainless steel Oyster case retains strong proportions and crisp profile lines, complemented by an original screw-down crown. Inside, the watch is powered by the Rolex Calibre 710 manual-wind movement, incorporating Rolex's shock-absorption system and described as winding smoothly and running reliably.The watch is fitted with a period-appropriate stainless steel folded-link Rolex Oyster bracelet, completing its authentic mid-century appearance.Adding considerable appeal is the accompanying rare, period-correct mid-1950s Rolex presentation box. The deep-green trapezoidal leatherette box features gold-tooled Rolex script and decorative edge scrollwork, a cream satin inner lid with vintage Rolex branding, and an emerald velvet base with a matching watch-roll cuff.With its naturally aged tropical dial, early Oyster construction, original period details, and rare presentation box, this Ref. 6244 offers a compelling snapshot of Rolex during the formative years of its tool-watch heritage.DetailsCirca: 1952-1956Reference: 6244Case: 32mm stainless steel OysterMovement: Rolex Calibre 710, manual windDial: Golden-bronze tropical dial with Explorer-style 3-6-9 configurationHands: DauphineCrown: Original screw-down Oyster crownBracelet: Period-appropriate stainless steel folded-link Oyster braceletAccessories: Rare period-correct mid-1950s Rolex presentation boxCondition: Honest historic surface wear with strong overall definition){kind=link}