Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oysterdate with Rare Super Oyster Crown, circa 1951
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:
- Movement:
- Case Dimensions:Diameter: 34 in (863.6 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1951
- Condition:Repaired. It is important to recognize that this watch only had a 12-month warranty when it was new. However, we are so confident of our workmanship and team that we offer an 18-month warranty on all our watches, even those over 100 years old.
- Seller Location:Long Beach, CA
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Long Beach, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Rolex Steel Early Oyster with Original Super Oyster Crown from 1952-1953By RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6084 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1952 / 1953 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 34mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 17 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Black with Pink Triangle...Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Stainless Steel Early Oyster Perpetual with Original Dial from 1951By RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6085 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1951 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 34mm X Diameter 40mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Perpetual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 645 DIAL / HANDS: Original Silvered with Luminous Markers / Gilt Luminous Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 18mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This early Oyster Perpetual is fitted with its original "Super Oyster" crown. This model is also fitted with a rare dial with red "Officially" printed on it stating it was checked as an observatory watch...Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches
- Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Original Oyster Bracelet & Rare Black Dial, 1972By RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 1200 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1972 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm X Diameter 35m...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Black Dial 1970'sBy RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 3...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Black Dial Early 1970'sBy RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X Diameter 3...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches
- Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Rare White Dial, circa 1980'sBy RolexLocated in Long Beach, CAFACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 15000 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: Late 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length ...Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Royal Precision, 1951, 15 Jewel Super Balance, Stainless SteelBy RolexLocated in Raleigh, NCToday's offering showcases this uncommon and original Rolex Oyster Royal model #6144 encased in stainless steel. Built only in the early 1950's, these watches are fine and desirable. A Style Note: The Rolex Oyster Royal was introduced in 1933 and was in production for over 20 years. It was part of the models nicknamed “Flatback” by collectors. It was the perfect alternative to the Bubbleback, for clients looking for a slimmer case and non-hooded lugs. Its contained diameter is largely compensated by the strong character these true vintage Rolex offer thanks to the incredible variety of dial configurations that was offered at the time. Some Historical Perspective: The Oyster Precision is one of the most straightforward watches Rolex has ever built. The watch is truly about representing the essentials only, with no added distractions. This example is fitted in a 32mm stainless steel case with a smooth bezel, so it actually wears a little larger than its measurement might seem. Vintage collectors often get caught up in the infinitesimal details that intrigue further and further as you dive in. Yet sometimes, a watch presents itself up and is simple elegance with pure, simplistic, undeniable greatness. The stainless steel Oyster case is already an iconic vintage look, but when you add in an interestingly finished dial, and a manual-wind movement, the watch suddenly becomes something to write home about. Translating from Rolex, the "Precision" branding indicates a manually wound movement, just as "Perpetual" points to a self-winding or automatic movement powering the watch. Rolex watches like this one are consistently compelling, never going out of style. The last word on the dial is, of course, "Royal." This is one we do not see all too often; it was phased out right around the early 1960s time frame. It's always nice to have a little uncommon detail like this. Even your pickiest collector friends will give this a royal "huh, that's pretty cool." THE FINE PRINT Maker: Rolex Unique Characteristics: "Royal" designation on dial Excellent Dial Condition Flat Back design Extremely robust and enjoyable, the Flatback both goes back to the roots of the Oyster case history and continues today to provide a huge satisfaction to its wearer. The 6144 was also one of the relatively few Rolex models to feature the short-lived Super Oyster...Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate Precision Wristwatch Ref 6466By RolexLocated in Stamford, CTRolex 1950’s midsize steel 6466 Oysterdate precision. Riveted stretch Rolex Oyster band from the mid 1950’s, buckle from the 1960's. Natural patin...Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 Champagne Dial Stainless Steel WatchBy RolexLocated in Toronto, CABrand : Rolex Model: Oysterdate Precision Reference Number : 6694 Features : Screw down Crown - Champagne Dial Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Manual winding Case...Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rare Vintage Rolex Submariner James Bond Big Crown Stainless Steel AutomaticBy RolexLocated in London, GBA Very Rare Stainless Steel Submariner Vintage Gents Wristwatch, original tropical gilt dial with hour markers, a stainless steel bi-directional bezel with a black bezel insert, a st...Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Rare Stainless Steel " James Bond " Small Crown Submariner Ref. 6536 / 1By RolexLocated in Dallas, TXRolex Rare Stainless Steel " James Bond " Small Crown Submariner Ref. 6536 / 1 - Manual winding. Stainless steel case (36 mm), three body, screw back. Dial is black lacquer, with lu...Category
20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Watch 114200By RolexLocated in Dallas, TXRolex Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Watch 114200 - Automatic winding, 31 jewels, no-date, sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case w...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
Rolex Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Choosing the Right Watch
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.