Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

New York, Mar 10, 2011

LOT 50

Rolex - Ref. 6098 - Explorer Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual, Precision,? Explorer, case No. 846853, Ref. 6098. Made in 1952. Fine and extremely rare, water-resistant, center-seconds, self-winding, stainless steel wristwatch.

USD 3,000 - 5,000

CHF 3,000 - 5,000 / EUR 2,200 - 3,700

Sold: USD 4,000

C. Two-body, solid, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back with engraved initials: W.J.G, Twinlock winding crown, inner case stamped IV.52. D. Ivory color with embossed yellow gold Arabic numerals, pyramid and baton indexes, luminous dots, outer 1/5th seconds track. Luminous yellow gold dauphine hands. M. Cal. 775, rhodium-plated, 23 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 36 mm. Thickness 12 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-7-01

Good

Oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

Although the case back on the above lot is stamped with a production period of IV.52, before the name Explorer was registered by Rolex in January of 1953, the case serial number is later than the famous Ref.6098 worn by Alfred Gregory on the 1953 Everest Exhibition. Careful examination of the dial shows the printing is consistent throughout leading to the conclusion this is one of the very first watches to bear the Explorer title.