About the Watch

Uncharacteristically for Rolex, the Oysterdate underwent a series of refinements and enhancements within its initial years before finding its winning formula, remaining unchanged for the subsequent three decades. The inaugural model, known as ref. 6094, made its debut circa 1953. Offered with either a black or white dial, both shielded by an acrylic crystal, it featured sword-style hands and an Oyster bracelet. Powering this timepiece was Rolex's in-house Cal. 1215, a 17-jewel movement representing the date variant of the base Cal. 1210. A revised iteration swiftly followed in the form of ref. 6294, where dauphine hands were substituted with straight batons. Midway through its production, Rolex introduced an improved magnifying Cyclops lens. Consequently, there exist instances of the ref. 6294 both with and without this enhancement. Subsequently, the ref. 6494 emerged, introducing a broader palette of dial colors. Then, in 1958, just a mere five years after its introduction, the Oysterdate welcomed its fourth rendition, the ref. 6694. With this version, Rolex introduced a fresh movement, the Cal. 1225. Although it retained manual winding, the balance frequency was elevated to 21,600 vibrations per hour (vph), an increase from the previous Cal. 1215's 18,000 vph. Following this evolution, the Oysterdate remained synonymous with the ref. 6694 for the ensuing three decades. No further enhancements were implemented, and the watch predominantly dwelled in the shadows of its more distinguished counterparts. It even became one of the lesser-known models within the Rolex lineup, with some ardent brand enthusiasts being oblivious to its existence. Nevertheless, the Oysterdate stands as a fascinating creation from the world's most renowned watchmaker, and vintage specimens are currently experiencing growing demand among collectors.

About the Brand

Known the world over, Rolex is a benchmark for prestige and quality in watchmaking. Since its creation, the brand has placed the reliability of its products uppermost. It submits virtually its entire movement production for testing by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres to obtain COSC certification. Rolex is also renowned for its after-sales service which is performed by staff who have been specially trained, often in Rolex's own schools in countries around the globe, including the United States and Japan. Rolex was founded by Hans Wilsdorf. A Bavarian watchmaker who emigrated to Switzerland, he immediately put his natural flair for products and business acumen at the service of a brand that would soon forge an international reputation. He was succeeded in 1963 by André Heiniger, whose son Patrick took over at the helm in 1992. Bruno Meier in 2009 then Gian Riccardo Marini in 2011 were successively appointed at the head of the business, a limited company (société anonyme) that is wholly owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. In 2014, Jean-Frédéric Dufour, previously Chief Executive of Zenith, was named as the new CEO. Such a reputation hasn't gone unnoticed among collectors, as recent auction results demonstrate. At a 2013 sale in Geneva, for example, a Daytona Chronograph in steel achieved an absolute record price of US$ 1.1 million. The brand hones its image through associations with prominent and well-respected personalities chosen from the arts and sports. Also, in 1976 Rolex launched its Awards for Enterprise which each year single out innovative projects that promote sustainable development. The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative gives young artists a privileged opportunity to benefit from the experience of masters in their field.