1952 Rolex Precision Model 6044 “Royal” Oyster

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1952 Rolex Precision Model 6044 “Royal” Oyster

About the Item

1952! Let me introduce you to a special watch. It’s a Rolex that has a very special Crown. One of the key features of this watch which makes it so interesting to the collector is its original winding crown, signed “Rolex Super Oyster” on its flat outer surface. A full detailed dissection of the Super Oyster crown is given in the reference section of this site and can be found by following the link below, but for the casual reader, it is worth giving a few basic details here. One of the key features of all Rolex Oysters since their launch in 1926 had been the screw down winding crown, this locking tightly onto a threaded tube that projected from the case side. When the winding crown was screwed in place, a watertight seal was created. So far so good. However, while the design of the screw down crown was nothing less than a stroke of genius, its Achilles’ heel was that it depended on the wearer remembering to screw the crown back in place after he’d wound or set his watch. If he didn’t, water could simply enter the case in the normal way, destroying the movement inside when it did so. The Super Oyster crown was an attempt by Rolex to create a winding crown that was waterproof, but did not require screwing down. Instead of being threaded onto a case tube, it simply pushed in, with a very closely machined fit between the winding stem and the case body ensuring that moisture couldn’t enter. It worked well initially, but with repeated use, inevitably minute amounts of play developed which allowed leakage to occur. Rolex launched the Super Oyster crown with quite a fanfare in 1950 and discontinued it rather less ostentatiously in 1952 when it was allowed to quietly slip into the history books under the chapter headed Heroic Failure. Today, for the modern collector, the inability of the Super Oyster crown to resist water isn’t an issue, not least because nobody in their right mind would ever take any valuable vintage Rolex watch anywhere near water in the first place. Relatively few classic Rolex Oysters have survived with their Super Oyster crowns still in place, both because the Super Oyster crown was only produced for two years and because these were replaced with conventional screw down crowns when watches with them were returned to Rolex for servicing. In short, basically the Super Oyster was dealt with by what we’d call today a factory recall. We have always liked the Super Oyster crown and recommended it to our investor customers. It’s a physically attractive item, better looking by far than the post-1952 coronet pattern crown that Rolex still uses today. It’s larger diameter as well, which makes it very comfortable when winding and setting. Certainly the Super Oyster was an important, but ill fated, chapter in Rolex Oyster development and anyone intent on building up a collection of the various key evolutionary stages that the Oyster went through during its vintage period must include at least one watch with this curious crown style in it. Rolex Oyster cased watches normally have a screw down crown, but in the early fifties Rolex used a non screw down crown called the Super Oyster. While they reverted to a screw down crown in 1953, these non screw down crowns do mean that the potentially expensive replacement of a vintage screw down crown and tube will never be needed on this watch. Plus of course it is more convenient not to have to unscrew a crown if the watch needs winding. The Oyster Royal is not your typical Rolex. The case size is smaller than the Air-King (which was considered king size at 34mm in 1952), and it is a much more subtle piece. Inside the screw down stainless steel case is a 15 jewel, shock resisting Rolex calibre 710, which is working well. It's very hard to not get excited by this beautiful Rolex Oyster Royal, model 6044 from 1952. The previously restored, off-white dial has been done well and around 10-15 years ago. It has a minimal patina, luminous Arabic numerals sit inside a outer minute track with the Rolex logo and 'Rolex, Oyster Royal' at 12 o'clock, and 'Shock Resisting, Swiss Made' at 6 o'clock. The 32mm, polished, stainless steel, Oyster, screw-back case is in great condition. Complete with a Rolex-signed, screw-down, Super Oyster crown. A historical “Snapshot” of Rolex! Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1905 at the age of 24, along with Alfred Davis in London. In 1919 they moved their operation to Geneva, Switzerland. This move was brought about by high wartime taxes on Gold and Silver in the UK after the Great war 1914-1918. Additionally they were closer to their suppliers in Bienne. The Rolex Oyster case was released in 1926. Marketed as the world's first “waterproof” watch. The notches on the bezel and case back meant they could be screwed down to the middle case with a special tool invented and manufactured by Rolex to hermetically seal the case. In 1927 a young swimmer Miss Mercedes Gleitz swam the English channel wearing the “Oyster”. Later in 1933 the team of the first expedition to fly over Everest wore them. It was also famously worn by Sir Malcolm Campbell, “King Of Speed”, on the 4th September 1935. An advert of the time made a big splash with him saying “The Rolex watch is still keeping perfect time- I was wearing it yesterday when Bluebird exceeded 300 mph.” He broke the world land speed record 9 times between 1924 and 1936. 1931 saw the debut of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, their first self-winding watch that was also water-resistant and dustproof. An absolute classic design and a timeless beauty. I am a huge fan of the Rolex Oyster Royals, as you see, I have three that I am offering. Sometimes, for whatever reason, dials will need restoration. This does not mean we disregard them or hide them away. We love this watch and are proud to have revived such a stunning piece of design, making it available for the next generation. We like to be as transparent as possible with what our watches have gone through, and we are happy to present quality craftsmanship that means these timepieces get many more years of use! Spec Stuff Reference : 6044 Movement : Manually Wound Rolex Age : 1952 Case Size : 31MM Case Thickness : 11mm Lug to Lug : Lugs : 17mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No How about some Fluff, some fancy words to describe something so utilitarian! 1952 Vintage Rolex Oyster Royal Ref. 6044: A Rare Epoch in Rolex Evolution  In 1952, as the world turned its eyes to the skies with the first passenger jetliner flight and celebrated athleticism at the Helsinki Summer Olympics, Rolex released the Oyster Royal Ref. 6044. A notable marvel in its own right, it gave discerning watch aficionados a novel way to appreciate time.  A Dial of Distinction  The centerpiece of this Oyster Royal is undoubtedly its patinated silvered dial. Featuring Arabic numerals, it exudes an air of understated elegance, further complemented by elegant hands and black outer minute track. A harmonious blend of age and refinement, it is no wonder this watch captures attention!  A Bezel Beyond Ordinary  The integrated scooped bezel of the Ref. 6044 doesn't just hold the crystal; it adds a distinct character to the watch. This design, combined with down-turned lugs, is a signature look that collectors and vintage enthusiasts often find irresistible.  The Crown of a Bygone Era  One of the more historically significant features of this piece is the Rolex Super Oyster crown. Introduced briefly in the early 1950s as an alternative water-resistant solution, it offers a unique glimpse into Rolex's experimentation phase. With many of these crowns replaced in later models, original examples like this are becoming rare, coveted treasures in the horological world. Meticulous Mechanics  Driving this vintage masterpiece is the Rolex mechanical movement. It's a manually wound movement characterized by its lever escapement, compensation balance, and an 18,000 BPH frequency. Further enhanced with 'Super-Shock-Resist', this movement is a testament to Rolex's commitment to precision, even in its earlier days.  The Super Oyster's Siblings  Ref. 6044's patinated dial might come in a silvered shade, but this wasn't Rolex's sole venture. The brand, known for its variations, had other dials, each bringing its unique essence to the watch.  Strapping it All Together  Retaining a sense of cohesiveness, the steel case seamlessly integrates with the choice of strap, ensuring that the watch feels comfortable and looks dashing, irrespective of the occasion.  In The Annals of Rolex's Legacy  This 1952 Rolex Oyster Royal Ref. 6044 isn't just a watch—it's a chapter in Rolex's illustrious history. For those keen on owning a piece that speaks of Rolex's daring experiments and timeless design, this is a piece worthy of wrist real estate. If you're contemplating diving into the rich world of vintage Rolex or hoping to add a novel touch to an existing collection, the Ref. 6044 awaits your discerning gaze.

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
Case Shape:
Round
Movement:
Case Dimensions:
Width: 1.23 in (31 mm)Diameter: 1.23 in (31 mm)
Style:
Modernist
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
1950-1959
Date of Manufacture:
1952
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Raleigh, NC
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU3149221202832

Shop All Rolex

Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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