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We built the Rolex Explorer because there isn’t any watch repair shop on top of the Matterhorn.
Rolex has always relied heavily on clever marketing for their watches - that above was the headline of a 1964 ad for the Rolex Explorer. Its launch coincided with the use of the Rolex Explorer ref 6098 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in the successful conquest of Mount Everest in 1953.
I'm not a fan of the Rolex Explorer line, cases on the older versions are quite small and I don't really like 3 - 6 - 9 dials, no matter what the case size.
But this one is a little different, the gilt dial adds a little something and the red depth text adds a little bit of much needed color and visual interest.
Some history: The reference 6098, introduced in 1953 was followed by the 6298, the 6150 and the 6350. The 6610 was introduced in 1955/56 , and came with some important changes - words “Officially Certified Chronometer” on the dial, and the movement was also upgraded from the A296 to the 1030.
It had a 36 mm stainless steel case and featured a gilt chapter ring dial. It seems the 'red depth' version was only produced in 1956.
Because the dials were lumed with radium - the radium accelerates corrosion of metals, and damages paint etc - they can be found in all sorts of condition. From dials and hands heavily marked by the radioactive lume to examples which for some reason remain in very good condition with even patina.
No gen parts on this one, aside form the Swiss ETA inside, but IMO it's a great looking watch, thanks in large part to the dial.
Thanks for looking.
Rolex has always relied heavily on clever marketing for their watches - that above was the headline of a 1964 ad for the Rolex Explorer. Its launch coincided with the use of the Rolex Explorer ref 6098 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in the successful conquest of Mount Everest in 1953.
I'm not a fan of the Rolex Explorer line, cases on the older versions are quite small and I don't really like 3 - 6 - 9 dials, no matter what the case size.
But this one is a little different, the gilt dial adds a little something and the red depth text adds a little bit of much needed color and visual interest.
Some history: The reference 6098, introduced in 1953 was followed by the 6298, the 6150 and the 6350. The 6610 was introduced in 1955/56 , and came with some important changes - words “Officially Certified Chronometer” on the dial, and the movement was also upgraded from the A296 to the 1030.
It had a 36 mm stainless steel case and featured a gilt chapter ring dial. It seems the 'red depth' version was only produced in 1956.
Because the dials were lumed with radium - the radium accelerates corrosion of metals, and damages paint etc - they can be found in all sorts of condition. From dials and hands heavily marked by the radioactive lume to examples which for some reason remain in very good condition with even patina.
No gen parts on this one, aside form the Swiss ETA inside, but IMO it's a great looking watch, thanks in large part to the dial.
Thanks for looking.
