Rolex Oyster reference 6222 wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1953
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Oyster wristwatch, reference 6222, dates to approximately 1953, based on its serial number 896xxx. The watch is constructed with a 34mm stainless steel case featuring a smooth bezel and a plexi crystal.
It is powered by a hand-wound movement. The dial is a silver-toned honeycomb-textured surface, commonly referred to as a waffle dial, featuring an applied Rolex crown logo, leaf-style hour and minute hands, and a blued central seconds hand. The dial is marked with "ROLEX", "OYSTER", "SHOCK-RESISTING", and "SWISS" at the 6 o'clock position. The current presentation includes a replacement leather strap. The source attributes the model's production to the early 1950s, identifying it as a piece from a period focusing on waterproof Oyster cases and hand-wound mechanics.
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
- Type
- Manual-wind wristwatch
- Hands
- Leaf style
- Maker
- Rolex
- Dial type
- Honeycomb-textured
- Case diameter
- 34mm
- Movement type
- Hand-wound
- Serial number
- 896xxx
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Model reference
- 6222
- Production date
- circa 1953
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a 34mm Oyster case, which includes a smooth bezel and a plexi crystal. The dial is noted for its honeycomb-textured finish, often categorized as a waffle dial, which provides a distinct visual pattern. On the dial, the applied branding includes the Rolex crown logo and the name "ROLEX" above "OYSTER". The lower portion of the dial displays the text "SHOCK-RESISTING" and a "SWISS" designation located at the 6 o'clock marker. The handset consists of leaf-style hour and minute hands, which appear to contain aged luminescent material. These are paired with a thin, blued central seconds hand. The dial indices are applied markers, which, according to the source, have developed a patina over time, complementing the overall aesthetic of the early 1950s timepiece.
- Visible features
- • Honeycombed or waffle-textured dial surface • Leaf-style hour and minute hands with luminescent material • Blued central seconds hand • Applied metal Rolex crown logo on the dial
- Movement and Servicing
- The watch utilizes a hand-wound mechanical movement. Specific technical details regarding the caliber or escapement construction are not provided in the source. The watch is currently fitted with a leather strap from Bulang & Sons. According to the vendor, the movement has undergone a full service by their watchmaker.
- Provenance and Production
- The reference 6222 is described by the source as being produced during the early 1950s, specifically between 1952 and 1954. This era is characterized by the brand's efforts to integrate the patented waterproof Oyster case with reliable hand-wound movements. While the source notes that certain examples of the 6222 were produced for the T. Eaton Company to recognize employee service, this specific watch is listed as a standard silver honeycomb-dial configuration. The serial number provided, 896xxx, serves as the basis for the date of 1953.
Identification
- Reference
- 6222
- Serial number
- 896xxx
- 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: The serial number 896xxx is attributed to the year 1953 by the vendor without independent verification
- Research required: The extent of internal parts replacement during the reported service is not specified