The original dial, signed “Swiss” at 6 o’clock, has aged to an elegant tropical champagne tone, exhibiting a rich, even patina that enhances the depth of the gilt printing. The “Datejust” text in red remains vivid, offering a striking contrast to the warm background. The date wheel alternates black and red numerals (“roulette” style), characteristic of Rolex’s mid-century aesthetic flair. The luminous hour plots and hands retain their original radium, perfectly matching the dial’s vintage warmth.

The 9K yellow gold case preserves strong lines and retains its original proportions. Inside, the caseback is stamped 4.53, confirming production in the fourth quarter of 1953. The watch houses the automatic calibre A296, Rolex’s early Perpetual movement with 18 jewels and butterfly rotor, considered one of the brand’s foundational automatic calibres.
Completing the watch is a matching 9K gold Jubilee bracelet, a period-correct and elegant complement to this historically significant Datejust.

Early Datejust references with red “Datejust” text, roulette date wheels, and radium tropical dials are among the most sought-after configurations by collectors. The present example combines all of these desirable traits, along with outstanding overall originality and condition.

A beautiful and historically important early Datejust, representing one of Rolex’s most refined mid-century designs, a rare opportunity to acquire a reference 6305 in authentic, untouched tropical condition.