Rolex Datejust Ref. 6305 - 'Gold-Red' Datejust

Straight Facts

Hard to believe - but the Datejust has been around since 1945. It is far older than its bigger and attention hogging Submariner brethren. That being said, you never really come across the early Rolex Datejust as Rolex simply was not making as many watches in the 40s and 50s and they do today. That makes it a special day when we are able to find not only an early Datejust from the 1950s - nevermind a solid-gold example. Rolex did not make a lot of these so it didn’t compete with its more expensive sibling, the solid-gold only Day-Date.

Rolex is a brand all about evolution over revolution. Despite beings from 1953 - all the hallmarks of classic Rolex are present (the fluted bezel, the big Rolex crown) - it’s done here on these early references in a far more refined way. The 6 and 9 indices are ‘arrow-markers’, and the hands are beautifully elegant ‘dauphine” style - even the fluting on the bezel (we call this a ‘coin-edge’ bezel) just seems a little more subdued. All of that aside, the star of the show is this dial. Aging to a an elegant vignette effect over time, the bright pops of red printing for ‘Datejust’ and the red/black roulette date wheel add an additional level of intrigue and refinement to the watch. The case is in excellent, well preserved condition showing that it has been well cared for over its life. Finishing this golden beauty off is its original gold jubilee bracelet which is in great condition for it’s age - but is showing signs of moderate stretch.

*Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing. They are not actually on the watch or visible in natural lighting.