
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Rolex Oysterdate, Black and Gilt Dial, ref. 6694, circa 1981
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex (maker)
- Date
- c. 1981
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 34 mm
- Stock no.
- vws3721cs
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws3721cs)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Rolex Oysterdate - Black and Gilt Dial - Model Reference 6694 - c.1981 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws3721cs), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1981. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 34 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
A Beautiful Rolex Oysterdate Precision with a Stunning Black Dial with Gilt Furniture, Paired with its Original Oyster Steel Bracelet, a Very Attractive Purchase, c.1981 The Rolex Oysterdate 6694 is an emblematic watch that embodies the precision and elegance for which the brand is known. Introduced in the mid-20th century, the 6694 model quickly gained recognition for its innovative design and reliable performance. A part of the Oyster collection, it marked a significant evolution in Rolex's line-up, offering a manual-wind movement housed in the iconic waterproof Oyster case. This combination made it both a sophisticated and practical choice for watch enthusiasts. The 6694's design featured a clean, minimalist dial that emphasised legibility, with a date window at the 3 o'clock position. Its sturdy construction and timeless aesthetic helped establish it as a versatile accessory suitable for any occasion. Through decades of production, the Oysterdate 6694 carved out a niche as a favourite among collectors admired for its classic styling and historical significance. Today, it remains a testament to Rolex's enduring legacy in watchmaking excellence. What's on Offer We are delighted to offer this beautiful Rolex Oysterdate 6694 for sale in such exceptional preowned condition. This is a timeless vintage timepiece that blends classic Rolex design with everyday functionality. Crafted from stainless steel, its 34mm Oyster case offers a sleek yet robust presence on the wrist. The black dial, complimented by applied gilt hour markers and slim pencil hands with lumnious inserts, adds a refined vintage aesthetic, with warm golden tones that enhance its sophisticated appeal. A date complication sits at 3 o’clock, magnified by Rolex’s signature Cyclops lens for improved legibility. Unlike many Rolex models, the 6694 is powered by the manually wound Caliber 1225, giving the wearer a more traditional watch experience. Paired with its original Oyster steel bracelet, this watch maintains its authentic period-correct look. Appreciated for its reliability, clean design, and vintage charm, the 6694 remains a desirable entry point into Rolex collecting and the black and gilt dial on this example are particularly attractive - a great buy!
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Dive and water-resistant watches
Keeping water and dust out of a wristwatch was a long-standing challenge. Rolex's screw-down Oyster case (1926) and Omega's Marine (1932) were landmarks; in the early 1950s Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms and Rolex's Submariner defined the professional dive watch with rotating bezels for timing dives, luminous dials and high water resistance. The ISO 6425 standard (1982) later codified what a 'diver's watch' must do.
Dive watches became icons of post-war design and exploration, and their evolution — helium escape valves, ceramic bezels, saturation-diving depth ratings — records the history of underwater work.
What to look for
- Unidirectional or bidirectional rotating bezel with minute markings.
- Screw-down crown and case back; depth rating printed on the dial.
- Luminous hands and markers (radium before c. 1960, tritium c. 1960–1998, then Super-LumiNova).
- Reference numbers on the case between the lugs or inside the back.
Dating clues
- Screw-down Oyster cases: from 1926.
- Professional dive watches: from 1953.
- Tritium 'T' marks on dials: c. 1960–1998.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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