Rolex
1958 Rolex Explorer I (Ref. 6610) Gilt "Chapter Ring" Dial
The Rolex Explorer I references bridge the gap between a dress watch and a sports watch. Without the crown guards and rotating bezels commonly found on sports models offered by Rolex, the Explorer I has a cleaner, sleeker profile while incorporating recognizable sports model features into the dial. The highly visible block indices, luminescent numerals at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock positions, and Submariner style triangle at the 12 o'clock position allow for readability under any conditions. The Submariner-style hands featured on the ref. 6610 add to the unique feel and appearance. The Rolex Explorer reference range as a whole has been a favorite since it was first produced in commemoration of the successful ascent of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
While most vintage collectors associate the Rolex Explorer I with the reference 1016, as it was the longest-running Explorer I model in Rolex history, the reference 6610 came before it and is often regarded as one of the most beautiful Explorer references to come from The Crown. With a short production run that spanned 1955-1959, the reference 6610 is an uncommon reference, but one that is also oozing with 1950s Rolex sports model charm.
| Stock # | RLXEXP6610-5 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Explorer I | |
| Model | 6610 | |
| Serial | 36XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Gilt "Chapter Ring" 3-6-9 Dial | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex 6251H Jubilee Bracelet W/ 55 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The excellent case retains very thick and symmetrical lugs that show minimal signs of previous use or polishing as the original finishing remains mostly present. The smooth stainless steel bezel shows honest signs of light use and is in overall great vintage condition. The Rolex rolled-link Jubilee bracelet with 55 end pieces is from 1966 and was sourced with the watch, the bracelet retains 20 links that show light stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/4-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original "SWISS" only gilt chapter ring dial is in exceptional condition with a genuinely beautiful aesthetic. The black lacquer of the dial features a semi-matte finish with a "night sky"-like patina throughout, and no real damage present. The gilt text and printing remain flawless and bright gold in coloration. The radium lume plots have achieved a gorgeous golden-brown color, under UV light inspection some degradation is present in the 3, 8, and 9 o'clock plots, however, it is not noticeable to the naked eye. The original gilt hands and original white sweep seconds hand are original, under UV light inspection they appear to have been professionally restored with radium to match the dial.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.
