$12,000
Ref. 6098, Explorer Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Precision”, Explorer Self-Winding, Ref. 6098. Made in 1953. Fine and extremely rare, water-resistant, center-seconds, self-winding, stainless steel wristwatch with a stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Two-body, solid, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown. White with applied steel Arabic, luminous dart and luminous dot indexes, outer minute/seconds track. Luminous steel baton hands. Cal. 775, rhodium-plated, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 36 mm. Thickness 12 mm. Notes To many collectors, the reference 6098 can be considered as the first version of the Explorer. Not being a chronometer model before the mid-fifties, it bore the words “precision” and “Self Winding”, attesting to its early origins. IIn the 1950s, daring individuals set out exploring the last uncharted frontiers, braving highest mountains or deepest seas, while aerospace scientists and astronauts would push the limits to conquer space and visit the moon in the future decade. Often, the fine line determining success or failure of such venture was marked by the quality of the equipment obtainable and novel technologies allowed manufacturing diving equipment or protective gear for mountain climbing, which altogether couldn’t eradicate risk, yet succeeded in minimizing dangers. A tool of vital importance to any adventurer was his reliable rugged watch
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2008-04-17
