1972 Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref. 6694

Rolex used “Precision” on watches that are not certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). It’s important to note that COSC certification has no bearing on the watch itself. Non-certified watches didn’t fail certification, they simply didn’t apply for the certification.

 

These Precision labelled watches were introduced by Rolex to offer a lower priced product whilst still protecting their main product lines by the differentiation in the labelling.

 

These watches were first introduced in two styles. The first were simple dress watches, often in gold but sometimes steel. Rolex first introduced these pieces in the 40s, with the latest examples coming from the 70s.

 

The second style debuted in the classic Rolex Oyster case, giving a sportier look, appearing on the scene in circa 1953. The most famous of these are the Oysterdate and Oyster Precision models.

 

The key difference between the Oyster and Oysterdate Precision is the date function. The Oyster Precision was focused solely on time whereas the Oysterdate, launched in circa 1953, featured a date function. The Oysterdate would go on to feature in the Rolex lineup until the late 1980’s.

 

Reference 6694 introduced the collection to the Breguet overcoil hairspring and a higher-beat movement, which upped the frequency from 18,000 bph to 21,600 bph. The Oysterdate remained essentially unchanged over the next three decades before gracefully bowing out of the Rolex portfolio in 1989.

The watch offered here today is a Ref. 6694 with black/dark gray matte dial which dates to 1972.

 

While most of these watches were seen with white or silver, dials, this example features a stunning black matte dial that has aged to a dark gray hue. The condition is flawless, with no stains, marks, or chips. All white printings are perfectly visible with no miss prints or paint losses. The lume plots show a nice yellow patina, matching with that on the hands.

 

The 34mm Oyster stainless steel case remains thick, and sharp, letting visible only minor signs of use. The smooth stainless steel bezel makes the watch look bigger. The case back remains in the same condition (the black shadow seen on the picture of this listing is the reflection of our camera).

 

The original acrylic crystal with cyclops has some minor, superficial scratches that could be easily buffed away.

 

It is running well and keeping excellent time as it has been fully serviced.

 

It is suited on the original 19mm Rolex Oyster 78350 folded-links stainless steel bracelet with 357 end links and clasp code R2 that shows normal wear and stretch for its age.

 

This watch offers the perfect combination of style, heritage, and affordability when it comes to a timeless vintage Rolex watch.

 

Macro pictures of the dial and the case are available under request.