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1953 Rolex Datejust Big Bubbleback Vintage Mens "Red Letter " Ref. 6305 Watch
$11,245
£8,493.08
€9,815.49
CA$15,772.83
A$17,540.92
CHF 9,181.86
MX$213,977.87
NOK 115,373.43
SEK 108,523.61
DKK 73,266.28
About the Item
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating.
1953 ROLEX DATEJUST Big Bubbleback Vintage Mens "Red Letter " Ref. 6305 Watch - Stainless Steel & 18K Gold
Very Fine & Rare - Big Bubbleback - Red Datejust - 1 Year Warranty
Today's offering showcases this uncommon and very collectable Rolex Oyster Perpetual "red letter" reference 6305. Produced in limited numbers for a brief period of time in the early 1950's, these exclusive early Oyster Perpetual Datejust watches are fine and desirable.
This particular rare "red letter" example has the word "Datejust" in original red printing, significantly further increasing its desirability. Its original date wheel alternates between red and black, in a "roulette" style.
It is a so-called "Big Bubbleback", named for the large case and way the back protrudes like the earlier "Bubbleback" watches.
Housed in one of Rolex's water-tight Oyster cases, the wristwatch originally offered its owner complete protection against water, dust, and perspiration. Inside the rugged case Rolex placed their legendary Cal. A296 so-called "Bubbleback" self-winding movement, keeping the watch powered by only movements of the wrist. Photos of the inside available upon request.
We were fortunate to acquire the watch with its rare original red letter dial.
It case presents in beautiful condition. Its case shows only very light wear and slight signs of previous polishing. While we most often associate this model with an engine turned bezel, the bezel on this watch is fluted. It is in just short of mint condition, having never been polished, with very crisp fluting. Its original Rolex U.S.A. Jubilee bracelet is in just short of mint condition.
Its original "red letter Datejust" dial is in excellent condition. Its technical dial has 1/5 second markings that served the needs of men in demanding technical, sporting, and racing fields.
One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value).
We have also tested it on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn on the wrist. It is running very strong and true, keeping time very close to on par with a new Rolex.
For the finishing touch, we have meticulously detailed it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Detailed Appraisal:
Manufacturer: Rolex
Country of origin: Switzerland
Model: Oyster Perpetual Datejust, Reference 6305
Serial number: 939,936
Year built: c. 1953
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Date, Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: 18K gold and stainless steel
Case markings (outside): Very lightly engraved "JDL". It could easily be removed.
Case condition: Beautiful condition. Its case shows only very light wear and slight signs of previous polishing. While we most often associate this model with an engine turned bezel, the bezel on this watch is fluted. It is in just short of mint condition, having never been polished, with very crisp fluting.
Dimensions: 36mm wide (excluding crown), 44mm long lug tip-to-tip, 14mm thick
Dial: Silver, signed ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL with DATEJUST in red, applied luminous gold dart indexes, outer 1/5 second/minute markings aperture for the date wheel in red, restored in vintage times, excellent condition
Hands: Gold, luminous gold "dauphines", period
Movement type: Rolex Bubbleback cal. A296, rhodium-plated, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, index regulator, chronometer rated for its accuracy
Movement markings: Rolex Perpetual Chronometer, Swiss Made, Patented
Band: Original, gold and steel "oval link" Rolex U.S.A. Jubilee, designed to fit a wrist up to approx. 8 inches on largest setting, adjustable, just short of mint condition
While the bracelet has very little stretch from aging, these were made with a much looser design than Rolex's Swiss bracelets. Please inquire if you need additional links.
Width between lugs: 20mm
Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
Servicing: One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $995 value).
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also tested it on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn on the wrist. It is running very strong and true, keeing time very close to on par with a new Rolex.
Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of four watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please message us for details.
Box/Papers: BOX - Watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
SKU 9425SH
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Strap Material:Stainless Steel,Gold
- Case Shape:Round
- Movement:
- Case Dimensions:Height: 1.74 in (44 mm)Width: 1.42 in (36 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1953
- Condition:Its case shows only very light wear and slight signs of previous polishing. Its original "red letter Datejust" dial is in excellent condition. Its technical dial has 1/5 second markings that served the needs of men in demanding technical, sporting.
- Seller Location:Suwanee, GA
- Reference Number:Seller: 9425SH1stDibs: LU4333227236922
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.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
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NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating.
1991 TUDOR (Rolex) PRINCE OYSTERDATE Vintage Mens Ref. 74000 Watch - Stainless Steel
Rolex Case, Crown & Bracelet - Gorgeous Original Condition - 1 Year Warranty
More and more collectors are becoming acquainted with watches from Rolex's Tudor brand, creations which have become increasingly more collectible. Watches in the Tudor line, apart from the fact that they utilize ebauche movements, are similar to those of Rolex in design and construction.
When Rolex launched the Tudor brand in 1945, they strongly intended that the public perception of its quality had to equal that of Rolex. To achieve this lofty aim, until the mid-1990's, Tudor watches featured Rolex cases and crowns, and, until 1971, Rolex bracelets.
An advertisement in Britain's Horological Journal in vintage times stated that Tudor's were, "Manufactured under strict Rolex supervision and bear the Rolex label of guarantee."
The Prince Oysterdate comes across with a feeling of familiarity to many watch collectors because of its connection to Rolex. While those connections have faded a bit in recent years, this 74000 was birthed at a time when the two brands were bonded together a lot more closely than they are today.
Patterned after the Rolex Oysterdate, one of the company's staple models, it is thinner and of course a bit more affordable than its Rolex sibling. However, it has two more desirable features than a Rolex Oysterdate - this Prince Oysterdate has a movement that is automatic, unlike the Rolex, and it has semi quick-setting, also something that Rolex Oysterdate's didn't have.
This 74000, which plays sort of a transitional role in what was Tudor's growing independence from Rolex, is indicative of the period when the two giant watch brands functioned as best friends.
The watch itself has all of its original parts.
Its original Rolex Oyster case presents in gorgeous mint condition with only very slight signs of previous polishing. Its case presents nearly like new.
Its untouched original dial is mint with beautifully toned luminous. The original luminous in its hands perfectly matches the pips.
As I mentioned, until 1971 Rolex fitted Tudor watches with true Rolex bracelets - the exact same ones that came with their Rolex branded watches. Though this watch would have come with a Tudor bracelet, it has previously been upgraded to a full Rolex bracelet made in 1971, the last year that a Rolex bracelet would have been correct to fit on a Tudor watch.
A Master Watchmaker has freshly overhauled the watch, and it has also been examined by our Master Watchmaker who worked for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
It is running exceptionally strong and true, keeping time better than many new Tudors and Rolexes in our testing recording position.
For the finishing touch, we have meticulously detailed it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership.
Detailed Appraisal:
Country of origin: Switzerland
Maker: Tudor
Model: Prince Oysterdate, Ref. 74000
Serial no.: B353,643
Year built: 1991
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Semi-Quick Setting Date
Designed for: Men
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The Most Expensive of All the Datejust Models - Original - Serviced with Warranty
Launched around 1953, the vintage Turn-O-Graph was designed for adventure lovers. It gained notoriety due to its use by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird Flight Aerobatic Flight Team. It features a bi-directional bezel to measure elapsed time, making it the most functional and expensive watch in the Datejust line. In fact, prior to the introduction of the Day-Date President, the solid gold Turn-O-Graph was the most expensive Rolex cataloged.
The watch did not originally enjoy terribly strong sales success and thus not a tremendous number were made, making vintage examples sought after by collectors.
Here are some of this watch's features:
Desirable vintage Turn-O-Graph
Beautiful champagne pie-pan dial which gives the watch a classic and more elegant look
Solid 18K gold rotating bezel designed to measure elapsed time
Officially Certified Chronometer caliber 1570 movement - a mechanism that powered models of the Datejusts as well as early Submariner, Explorer, and GMT models
Rolex crimped link Jubilee bracelet
Our vintage Turn-O-Graph has fully Rolex parts and presents in pleasing condition.
Its case presents in excellent condition with signs of polishing to the back. Its bezel shows fairly mild to moderate signs of previous polishing. On the wrist, it presents as scratch-free.
Its untouched original dial has become slightly tropical giving it a true vintage look.
One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Rolex parts including a new tube and crown that screw down very well, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $1295 value).
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For the finishing touch, we have meticulously detailed it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Note: A published example of this model can be found in Osvaldo Patrizzi's work Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches, 2001 Edition, Guido Mondani editor, Vol. 2, pg. 39.
Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Detailed Appraisal:
Manufacturer: Rolex
Country of origin: Switzerland
Model: Turn-O-Graph, Ref. 1625
Serial no.: 714,926
Year built: Date stamped 1961
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, Automatic, Date, Elapsed Time Bezel
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel and 18K gold
Case condition: Presents in excellent condition with signs of polishing to the back
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Dial: Champagne, pie-pan with applied 18K gold baton indexes, outer minute/seconds divisions, aperture for the date, original and untouched, slightly tropical giving it a true vintage look.
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