1958 Rolex Explorer Ref. 6610 Gilt dial with 'BIG LOGO' bracelet

The Explorer began to truly differentiate itself from the Oyster Perpetual line in 1957 with the introduction of Reference 6610. It had all the classic hallmarks of an Explorer: stainless steel oyster case measuring 36mm, black dial (gilt dial in this case, now highly desirable), 3-6-9 numerals, a reverse triangle at 12 o’clock, and a Mercedes hour hand. An especially rare variant of the 6610 is a “red depth indication” model, which has the water resistance (50m) printed in red under the Explorer moniker on the dial. You’ll also find some variants with the water rating printed in white. Ref. 6610 used a new caliber 1030 movement, which allowed the Explorer to shed the bubble back it’d been sporting up until this point. Because the 6610 had such a short production run, it’s a very rare find.

Offered for sale here is a Rolex Explorer Ref. 6610 that dates to 1958.

 

The original, untouched radium gilt dial features a lovely patina. The radium lume remains untouched, showing a green-yellow patina matching with that on the original gilt hands. All gilt printings remain perfect, with no misprints or missing parts.

 

The stainless steel case remains in good shape, letting visible normal signs of wear. The case back remains in the same condition. The inside of the case back is correctly stamped 6610 and I. 1958.

 

The automatic cal. 1030 is running great and keeping time as it has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

 

It is suited on its original and extremely rare Rolex Riveted stainless steel bracelet with 58 end links, ‘BIG LOGO’ clasp signed MODELE DEPOSE BREVETE and date code 3/59. It remains in honest shape for its age showing normal stretch and wear.

 

The original domed crystal is still present and shows only a minor bump at 7 o’clock and normal, minor scratches.

 

This is indeed a very rare reference which is rapidly gaining popularity amongst Rolex collectors. The chances of finding it in this untouched condition are minimum. It’s an opportunity not to be missed or it will be missed forever.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request, as well as inner case back and movement pictures.