Rolex Oyster Royal Wrist Watch, Model 6144, Calibre 710, circa 1952

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

A Beautiful Rolex Oyster Royal, Model Reference 6144, Manual Time Only Watch with a Beautifully Aged Dial and Nice Patina, c.1952 The Rolex 6144, a vintage timepiece, holds a special place in horological history. Introduced in the mid-20th century, this model exemplifies the brand's commitment to precision and elegance. The 6144 is renowned for its clean design, featuring a minimalist dial often adorned with simple markers and the iconic Rolex crown logo at 12 o'clock. Crafted primarily in stainless steel or gold, the watch was designed to cater to both functionality and luxury. Its robust yet refined case housed a manual-wind movement, reflecting Rolex's engineering prowess of that era. Collectors particularly appreciate the 6144 for its understated charm and historical significance, as it represents a period when Rolex was solidifying its reputation as a leader in watchmaking innovation. Though not as famous as some other models like the Submariner or Daytona, the Rolex 6144 remains an enduring symbol of mid-century sophistication and craftsmanship. T he Oyster Royal, first introduced in 1933, was aimed at the medical profession on the basis that its large second hand would make it much easier to time a patient's heartbeat. The 'Royal' iteration was intended for solely British and Canadian markets. What's on Offer We are delighted to offer this beautiful and well-preserved Rolex 6144 for sale in vintage condition. The dial, originally ivory or white has aged beautifully to an attractive antique sepia hue and boasts a nice even spattering of patina, a joy to those who appreciate the natural ageing process of vintage watches. The applied hour markers and Arabic numerals are gilt and have luminous pips and the Rolex coronet sits proud at 12 o'clock. The dial is encapsulated underneath Plexiglas and encased in polished stainless steel. The case and lugs look well and show only minor signs of wear/polishing which we would certainly expect to see on a watch of this age. At 31mm, the watch is fairly slight in proportion but does wear larger on the wrist as illustrated in the photographs. It is beautifully understated and perfectly appropriate for everyday wear as well as more formal occasions. A beautiful and charismatic timepiece that will serve the wearer well for years to come.