1956 Rolex Pre-Explorer "Ovettone" Ref. 6298
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1956
Maker / issuer
RolexThis 1956 Rolex "Ovettone" Pre-Explorer reference 6298 is a stainless steel wristwatch featuring a 36mm Oyster Perpetual case. The watch is distinguished by a black "honeycomb" textured dial adorned with gilt printing, alpha hands, and a combination of dagger markers and 3-6-9 Arabic numerals.
It is powered by a movement housed within a three-piece Oyster case with a screw-down crown. The piece is presented on a later Rolex 6251H rolled-link Jubilee bracelet with modified straight end pieces. The auction description reports the watch is in working condition, though its service history is unknown. The case retains the original "Rolex Oyster Case" engraving on the back. The watch exhibits signs of wear commensurate with its age, including patinated radium lume on the dial.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1956
- Dial
- Black "Honeycomb"
- Type
- Oyster Perpetual
- Brand
- Rolex
- Serial
- 17XXXX
- Bracelet
- Rolex 6251H "Rolled-Link" Jubilee Bracelet
- Reference
- 6298
- Case Material
- Stainless Steel
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The watch features a black honeycomb-textured dial with gilt printing. Hour markers are comprised of a mix of dagger indices and applied 3-6-9 Arabic numerals. The dial also includes a gilt drilled minute track. The alpha-style hands are gilt and original to the piece. Radium luminous material is applied to the dial markers and hands. While the lume plots are reported to be intact, the vendor notes that UV inspection reveals varying levels of degradation on the dial plots, though the hands show no such degradation.
- Visible features
- • Black honeycomb dial with gilt numerals and dagger markers • Rolex coronet and 'Brevet' cross markings on crown • 36mm stainless steel Oyster case • Later Rolex 6251H rolled-link Jubilee bracelet
- Case and Bracelet Construction
- The stainless steel case measures 36mm and is identified as the "Ovettone" or "big bubble back" style. The construction consists of a three-piece Oyster case featuring a smooth stainless steel bezel. The case back is embossed with the "Rolex Oyster Case" engraving, a design element the listing notes can often be diminished through polishing. The watch is fitted with a Rolex 6251H rolled-link Jubilee bracelet, which includes 22 links and modified straight end pieces to accommodate the case. The crown features the Rolex coronet along with "Brevet" cross markings. The case is described as having well-defined geometry and finishing, with minimal evidence of past polishing. The bracelet displays normal stretch consistent with its era of production.
- Historical Context and Condition
- The reference 6298 is described as an evolution of the ref. 6098, featuring a three-piece case and a revised screw-down crown design. These models are categorized as "Pre-Explorer" watches, occupying a period in the mid-1950s before the final design of the Explorer line was fully realized. The vendor reports that the watch is keeping time appropriately, although the specific service history remains undocumented. The condition is noted as well-preserved for its age, displaying only light signs of use throughout the case and bracelet.
Identification
- Reference
- 6298
- Serial number
- 17XXXX
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Unknown service history
- Research required: Varying levels of radium lume degradation