1953 Rolex Datejust 18K YG (Ref. 6305) "Ovettone"

The Rolex Datejust is one of the most iconic and beloved watches made by Rolex. Launched in 1945, it remains a timeless classic and is instantly recognizable as an item of superior quality and functional design.

After Rolex introduced the Datejust in 1945, the brand entered a massive period of expansion that continued through the 1950s as they introduced model after model of now iconic timepieces, most of which still exist in some form today. Though this explosion in manufacturing resulted in impressive growth for the brand, it was also an extremely experimental time for Rolex as well which resulted in rapidly evolving designs. For each new improvement or design update Rolex introduced within a model, there was a new reference created to signify that change, thus resulting in numerous references created for a single model in a small timeframe with extremely small production periods. Making each new reference rare onto itself and for a specific reason.

The earliest Datejust designs introduced had no "Datejust" branding on the dial, the model was only signified through the branding and advertising around the model itself. However, key design features have always been the pillars of the iconic Datejust, including the 36mm case, a fluted bezel, and of course the famous Jubilee bracelet. In the early 1950s, Rolex finally began to brand the Datejust dials which then became standard for the model, though a few examples made it off the production line still lacking the model name, and remain today as especially collectible and sought after among collectors for Rolex of this era specifically.

"Ovettone" roughly translates from Italian as 'Big Egg' and is a term coined by collectors to represent early 36mm models that feature round case backs, more commonly seen in the smaller Bubble-Back Rolex model range, which is why "Ovettones" are also commonly referred to as "Big Bubble-Backs".

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