Superb Rolex Oyster - Speedking Precision. This watch has benefited from a recent service by a Rolex specialist watchmaker with no issues to report. Keeping accurate time ready to treasure and enjoy for many years to come!
It may not be well known, but the Oyster Speedking set the tone for wearable sport watches as distinct from the established dive watches of the day,
“The Speedking features only what it needs, and nothing it doesn’t. Because of that, there’s not much flash here, but a whole lot of substance.”
Speedking and yes for todays standards they are extremely small at 30mm excluding the crown, but the history of this line is definitely interesting with links to the race car driver Sir Malcom Campbell to the choice of Officers being held captive during WW2 in prisoner of war camps ( Rolex Magazine has a great article explaining that one) Right up to the fact Steve McQueen wore one in the Great Escape in 1963…. that in itself is usually enough to send people wild -
Vintage Rolex doesn’t get much better than this Speedking. From its aged silvered dial featuring unique gold Indexes to its powerful blue steel pointed baton lume filled hands and chapter ring markers. Rolex SpeedKing Precision manual Reference 6056 with a silver dial is one of the most desirable combinations of the SpeedKing range. The original case on this watch is steel with a Rolex signed crown/winder.
This Rolex SpeedKing is cool and especially hard-to-find.
The Rolex SpeedKing truly brings back the yesteryear of classic and simple vintage Rolex watches with a manual wound movement. The reference 6056 was introduced in the early 1950’s , and it featured a screw-down crown and a removable bezel design. The reference also came in different dial configurations, but this one is particularly attractive because of the light silvered dial with raised gold gilt indexes, which is reminiscent of highly sort after important Rolex vintage pieces from the same era. This is a great mid sized vintage Rolex for someone who wants something a little different.
The smooth chamfered bezel beautifully wrapping around the Oyster steel case makes this watch a perfect size for someone yearning pure elegance. A leather strap band finishes the package off and cements the presence of this timepiece on your wrist.
The Dial: This has an attractive appeal. Signed Rolex SpeedKing Precision Swiss, whilst the dial subtly exudes a class you can only find on a watch of this stature. The dial carries unique highly polished square indexes with arrow markers to the quarters and number ‘12’ sitting proudly above the Rolex coronet which sets the dial beautifully, outer chapter ring features applied minute indices 1/5th of a scale. Original pointed blue steel baton hands with a gold gilt tapered sweep centre seconds hand. Dial has marks commensurate with age and wear, not noticeable to the naked eye only under magnification or if looking very closely. Overall dial is in good condition for the age - Please see photos.
The Original Case: 30mm (without crown), Steel polished case with a smooth chamfered bezel and down turned lugs. Serial number between lugs at 6 is 863*** dating the watch to 1953 on the Rolex date register - The reference 6430 is stamped in between lugs at 12. The lugs remain sharp and characteristic showcasing the quality of Rolex’s reputation of making long lasting and iconic wristwatches. The condition of the case is solid for the age, has surface hairline scratches commensurate with age and everyday wear. The Oyster case retains all the key attributes that makes this reference Rolex so desirable and proves to be a timeless piece of design and quality.
The Original Crystal: Good condition.
The Original Case Back Cover Outer: Screw back milled edge steel case fits flush without any issues. Has surface scratches associated with polished base metals commensurate with age and wear.
The Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed Rolex Geneva Swiss Patented Stainless Steel 6056 Stainless Steel. Period service markers present.
The Original Movement: Signed Montres Rolex S.A Geneva Swiss Seventeen 17 Jewels. Numbered *****. Rolex manually wound calibre 710 movement, lever escapement, 17 jewels numbered *****. In excellent working order keeping good time. Recently serviced by a Rolex specialist watchmaker with no issues to report.
The Crown: Signed Rolex with the dash in relief. Possible later service replacement crown - Superb working order.
Aftermarket Strap Band/Buckle: Will be replaced with a similar brand new aftermarket strap and buckle.
*Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Rolex is over 70 years old. Shipping DHL/UPS insured registered post World wide shipping buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.
Additional information;
Maker: Rolex
Model: SpeedKing Precision
Material: Steel
New Aftermarket Strap Band/Buckle: Leather Steel buckle
Dimensions: 30mm diameter excluding crown
Lug Width: 17 mm
Box/Papers: No
Case: Steel
Crown: Rolex Signed Crown.
Dial: Silver
Crystal: Plexi.
Technical specifications
Winding: Manual.
Movement type: Precision Manual.
Calibre: Rolex Calibre 710 SuperBalance
Jewels: 17.
Condition: Vintage condition with dial patina.
Model Reference Number: 6056
Date of issue: first quarter 1953
Rolex offered the SpeedKing Precision watches from the early 1940’s to the late 1960’s with several different variations, dials and movements. The Rolex SpeedKing Precision is one of the few Rolex watches equipped with a hand-wound mechanical movement. Rolex watches not only became the watches worn by the most influential people, they were also put to the test in the most extreme situations. Sir Malcolm Campbell wore one while breaking land speed records in Bluebell in 1935, as did the first pilot to break the sound barrier in 1947.
Sir Edmund Hillary wore an Oyster on the first ever summit of Everest in 1953, and this extraordinary feat began a series of Professional models, the first of which was the Oyster Explorer, based on the model Hillary wore. The present watch a
SpeedKing Precision ref. 6056 circa 1953 channels the importance of Rolex’s effect on history in wonderful style and elegance.