An extremely rare and beautiful 1955 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust with fantastic gilt printed black dial with a "red" Datejust signature in a solid 14k gold and stainless steel, 36mm bubbleback case. This rare model 6304 was produced in very limited numbers and even more rarely with the highly sought after black dial. I just love the vintage look of those Alpha style hands with the applied baton markers and gold framed date aperture. The red colouring of the Datejust signature has naturally faded to a light pink colour over time which only adds to its vintage look. The base model of this iteration had a fluted bezel and was manufactured under reference 6305. In this example you can see that number scratched out by hand inside the case back and replaced by the 6304 stamp. Also, while servicing the calibre 745 movement I found that all of the bridges are hand engraved on the underside with matching numbers to the mainplate to insure the correct bridges all stay together in the manufacturing process. Both tiny details that give a wonderful insight into the hand made production workshop environment of Rolex Geneva in the 1950's. A truly rare and stunning piece of Rolex history in wonderful superb original condition.
Circa: Third quarter of 1955 (III-55)
Style: Mid-Century Dress
Case: Solid stainless steel case and back with smooth 14k yellow gold bezel, measuring 36mm in diameter excluding the original screw-down Brevet + crown. Stamped between the lugs at 6:00 with a serial number in the 111XXX range also dating the watch to 1955 with the model number Brevet + 6304 stamped between the lugs at 12:00. The inside case back is fully signed Montres Rolex SA, Geneva, Switzerland, Patented, Stainless Steel, III-55, 18, 6304. The 20mm lug spacing is fitted with a simple black leather strap with generic buckle.
Dial: Stunning factory printed original dial with matte black background and gold printing with raised baton style hour markers, coronet and Rolex signature signed Oyster Perpetual Datejust, Officially Certified Chronometer, Swiss. Light even patina throughout. Original matching Alpha style hands with patina consistent with the dial.
Movement: Superb high-grade Rolex in-house manufactured caliber 745 large bubbleback movement with rare fully jeweled automatic module signed Rolex Perpetual, Swiss Made Patent, Vis Tirette 1, Trigger Screw, 18 Jewels In Chronometer * Plus 7 Jewels in Rotor, with 745 stamped on the mainplate below the balance. Freshly serviced here at Meticulous, keeping excellent time and comes with our full 1 year mechanical warranty, ready to wear!