1958 Rolex Explorer Ref. 6610 ‘Gilt Chapter Ring’ 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 with ‘Gilt Chapter Ring’ dial that dates to 1958.

 

The original, untouched radium gilt dial has developed a lovely grayish patina and it shows a spidery texture on the lacquer. The radium lume remains untouched, showing a green-yellow patina matching with that on the original gilt hands. What a blast of character! All luminous material reacts to UV light correctly and at the same pace. All gilt printings, including the text and the chapter ring, remain clean and bright, with no misprints or parts missing.

 

The stainless steel case remains in good shape, showing thick and sharp lugs. It shows 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.

 

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

 

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 stamped 3/59. It remains in extraordinary condition, with very light wear and no stretch at all. This is something very uncommon to see on such an old bracelet. It will fit from a 16cm wrist up to an 18.5cm one.

 

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.