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Lot Essay
Rolex are of course most well know for their sports models such as the Submariner and Daytona, so it is easy to forget that during the middle of the 20th century they were producing complicated watches, that could go toe-to-toe with some of the most prestigious manufactures of the period.
Equipped with triple calendar module displaying the day, date, month and phases of the moon, the range consisted of the reference 8171 “padellone”, and the reference 6062. While the 8171 may wear with a more modern size today, it is the 6062, introduced at Baselworld in 1950, that is closest to the DNA of Rolex, equipped with the same Oyster case used on models such as the Explorer which was being used in the great mountaineering expeditions during the same period that the 6062 was being made.
The version fitted with a dial featuring star-shaped hour markers, nicknamed “Stelline” by Italian collectors, is perhaps the most coveted standard production variation, but those with pyramid-shaped markets like the example offered here, can actually be considered rarer, given that the number of pieces that have come to market in this configuration are actually fewer.
Many examples of the 6062 that are offered either feature service replacement dials, or have been heavily refinished, losing much of the charm of the original watch. Fortunately the watch offered here has not suffered either of these fates, still retaining its original dial that is devoid of restoration, and showing all of its honest charm that comes with decades of aging.
Although the case number is partially illegible, it would appear that this watch comes from the last batch of 6062s produced in 1953, of which a selection of others have appeared at auction also fitted with pyramid dials. Coming from a distinguished private collector, this watch represents a fine, and wearable example of a milestone reference for Rolex.
Equipped with triple calendar module displaying the day, date, month and phases of the moon, the range consisted of the reference 8171 “padellone”, and the reference 6062. While the 8171 may wear with a more modern size today, it is the 6062, introduced at Baselworld in 1950, that is closest to the DNA of Rolex, equipped with the same Oyster case used on models such as the Explorer which was being used in the great mountaineering expeditions during the same period that the 6062 was being made.
The version fitted with a dial featuring star-shaped hour markers, nicknamed “Stelline” by Italian collectors, is perhaps the most coveted standard production variation, but those with pyramid-shaped markets like the example offered here, can actually be considered rarer, given that the number of pieces that have come to market in this configuration are actually fewer.
Many examples of the 6062 that are offered either feature service replacement dials, or have been heavily refinished, losing much of the charm of the original watch. Fortunately the watch offered here has not suffered either of these fates, still retaining its original dial that is devoid of restoration, and showing all of its honest charm that comes with decades of aging.
Although the case number is partially illegible, it would appear that this watch comes from the last batch of 6062s produced in 1953, of which a selection of others have appeared at auction also fitted with pyramid dials. Coming from a distinguished private collector, this watch represents a fine, and wearable example of a milestone reference for Rolex.