Rolex Explorer Big Bubbleback Gilt Dial 6298 (SOLD)

Brand: Vintage Rolex
Model: 6298
Year:
Serial number:
Reference: OT1380

The story begins in 1952 where it was the time when the world’s leading explorers were challenging themselves reaching the highest point on earth – the peak of Mount Everest. Many attempts had been made and many lives lost, however the British mountaineers were ultimately the men that would conquer the mighty mountain in early 1950s. Rolex wants its watches on the summit for this significant event and equipped these key climbers with large Oyster watches. These prototype Oyster Perpetual Watches are now call by collectors as the Pre-Explorers.

Rolex launched the improved pre-Explorer Ref. 6298 with the new three-piece case with separate mid-case and bezel. The bezel was used to secure the new tropic crystals to the mid-case and create a watertight system. The previous Super Oyster Crown had proven prone to leakage and so the Ref. 6298 has the new “brevet” or “cross (+)” 6mm screw-down crown. The difference between the Oyster Perpetual Watches and the Explorer watches from the 1950s was the word “Explorer” printed on the dial. Rolex pushed the Explorer as its own Collection only after Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s historic ascent to the top of Mount Everest in 1953.

Among all the variations dial Ref. 6298 have, it is extremely rare to see one with the word “Explorer” printed on the dial as this particular sample. In addition, it has the unusual unique rice bean steel bracelet made for the British Market.