A Gents Rolex Oysterdate Precision circa 1966 manual wind, a striking example fitted with a rare Matt black dial with vintage charm offering great value for money. The 6694 is the most sort after of the Oysterdate range housed in a 34mm case. This watch has recently benefited from an inspection by a marque specialist with no issues to report. In excellent working order keeping accurate time and date ready to enjoy!
Vintage collectors often get caught up in the infinitesimal details that intrigue further and further as you dive in. Yet sometimes, a watch jumps up and hits us in the face with pure, simplistic, undeniable greatness. That's what we have here.
The stainless steel Oyster case is already an iconic vintage look, but when you add in an interestingly finished dial and a manually-wound movement, the watch suddenly becomes something to write home about. The "Precision" branding at Rolex indicates a manually wound movement, just as "Perpetual" points to a self-winding or automatic movement inside the watch. Rolex watches like this one are consistently compelling, never going out of style.
This Rolex Oysterdate reference 6694 has a cool and hard-to-find dial featuring raised arrow indexes indexes with matching dauphine hands and a raised Rolex coronet sitting proudly at ‘12’ o clock. Plus, a chamfered bezel adds a nice touch. The Rolex Oysterdate truly brings back the yesteryear of classic and simple vintage Rolex watches with a manual wound movement and a trusty calendar. The reference Oysterdate was introduced in the early 1950’s, and unlike its predecessors, 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 black Matt variant which is sought after by Rolex collectors and aficionados, dressed with raised indexes, which is reminiscent of high end Rolex vintage pieces from the same era. This is a great vintage Rolex for someone who wants something a little different.
The smooth chamfered bezel beautifully wrapping around the 34mm case makes this watch a perfect size for someone yearning pure elegance., the new black leather strap band finishes the package off and cements the presence of this timepiece on your wrist.
The Dial: Matt black dial is signed Rolex Oysterdate Precision T Swiss T. Whilst the dial subtly exudes a class you can only find on a watch of this stature. Unique highly polished arrow indexes set the dial beautifully. Cyclop date window at ‘3’ o clock. Outer chapter ring with applied minute indices. Dauphine hands featuring lume inserts with a matching tapered steel centre seconds sweep hand. Dial has aged with marks and some very small tarnishing above ‘12’ o clock commensurate with age and wear not noticeable to the naked eye only under x4 loupe magnification. Please observe photos.
The Original Case: 34mm (without crown), steel polished case with a smooth chamfered bezel and down turned lugs. Has surface scratches associated with polished metals all over commensurate with age and wear. Serial number between lugs at ‘6’ is 130**** dating the watch to 1966 on the Rolex date register - The reference 6694 stamp can be found 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 very good and solid for the age. 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 Crystal: Perspex crystal is in good condition given the age with some small marks to the edges and light surface scratches, not noticeable to the naked eye only under x4 loupe magnification.
The Original Case Back Cover Outer: Screw back milled edge steel case screws flush without any issues. Has surface scratches associated with polished metals commensurate with age and wear.
The Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland Patented Stainless Steel 6694. Has surface scratches and some age related pitting.
The Original Movement: Signed Montres Rolex S.A Geneva Swiss Seventeen 17 Jewels numbered N97663. Rolex manually wound calibre 1210 movement, lever escapement, 17 jewels, mono-metallic balance, Kif shock absorber. In excellent working order running superbly keeping accurate time. Inspected and tested recently by a Rolex specialist watchmaker with no issues to report and in good order.
The Original Crown/Winder: Signed Rolex with dash in relief. In good working order.
The Aftermarket Strap/Band: Recently fitted new good quality leather strap band and non conforming steel buckle,
*Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Rolex is over 60 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: Oysterdate Precision
Material: Steel
Dimensions: 34 mm diameter excluding crown
Strap Band : Oyster
Lug Width: 19mm
Box/Papers: No
Case: Steel
Crown: Rolex Signed Crown.
Dial: Matt Black
Crystal: Plexi.
Technical specifications
Winding: Manual.
Movement type: Precision Manual.
Calibre: Rolex Calibre 1210
Jewels: 17.
Condition: Vintage condition.
Model Reference Number: 6694
Date of issue: c.1966
Rolex offered Oysterdate and Oyster Precision watches from the early 1950s to the late 1970s, with several different dials and movements. The Rolex Oysterdate 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, an Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 circa 1966 channels the importance of Rolex’s effect on history in wonderful style and elegance.