45.
ROLEX – A very attractive stainless steel wristwatch with black “depth rated” honeycomb dial, guarantee and box
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
1953
Reference No.
6352 stamped 6350 (strikethrough) and 1.54 inside the caseback
Movement No.
87’388
Case No.
28’506
Model Name
“Big Bubble” or “Ovettone”
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 775, 18 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle
Dimensions
34mm. Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Estimate CHF 5,000-7,000 $5,200-7,200 €4,600-6,400 Accessories Accompanied by ftted presentation box with outer packaging, product literature and guarantee confrming the sale of the present watch on April 8th, 1956
The Rolex Reference 6352 is, along with reference 6350, the predecessor of one of the brand’s most successful models – the Explorer. In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary made history by being the frst person to ascend Everest. On his wrist, he was wearing a Rolex reference 6352 that would inspire the crowned
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brand to launch a model to commemorate this major human achievement. The present example of a 6352 is especially well preserved, but also stands out with its rare dial. At 12 o’clock is found a depth rating – a highly unusual designation found on few Rolex watches made during the early 1950s. During these formative years for the brand, Rolex experimented with many diferent dial and case confgurations, marking the development and refnement of their frst “tool” watches. The caseback features two reference numbers, one marked 6350 with a strikethrough, and a second reference number engraved 6352 at 90°- a common practice for Rolex at the time, as they strove to minimize the waste of spare parts. This stunning reference 6352, with its beautiful black honeycomb dial and gold applied hour indexes is a smart, eye-catching addition for a sports watch collection.
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