The mother of all Explorers?

The Rolex Big Bubbleback watches are known by their Italian nickname ‘Ovettone’ (big egg) due to the exceptional depth of caseback, which was domed to accommodate the automatic rotor. This is arguably the most important reference 6098 we have found! The 6098 is monoblocco in construction meaning the midcase and bezel are made in one piece.
Known as the Pre-Explorer as it was the watch supplied by Rolex and used on the successful Everest expedition in 1953 that led to the launch of the iconic Explorer watch, this example is in beautiful condition with a very rare dial that features the iconic 3-6-9 layout but doesn’t actually have the word EXPLORER on the dial. The dial has an early coronet and gilt lettering that has aged beautifully to a deep rich tone. The watch features incredibly rare hands, a long hour hand, swan-neck minutes hand and large bubble seconds hand – all gilt colour.
This incredibly special watch is finished off with a superb straight endlink stretch rivet bracelet that has a clasp stamped ‘4 52’.
This is a very important early Rolex sports watch and is almost a museum piece, so important is it in the lineage of the Explorer! The movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.


Specifications:

- Reference 6098
- Serial 916xxx dating to late 1953
- Rare 369 Non-Explorer gilt dial
- Early 50s 36mm steel Ovettone case
- Rare straight endlink rivet Oyster bracelet stamped ‘4 52’
- Fully serviced by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Includes a handmade leather watch pouch
- Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping