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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Oyster Perpetual

1956 Rolex Pre-Explorer "Ovettone" Ref. 6298

Partially verified

This 1956 Rolex "Ovettone" Pre-Explorer reference 6298 is a stainless steel wristwatch featuring a 36mm Oyster Perpetual case. The watch is distinguished by a black "honeycomb" textured dial adorned with gilt printing, alpha hands, and a combination of dagger markers and 3-6-9 Arabic numerals. It is powered by a movement housed within a three-piece Oyster case with a screw-down crown. The piece is presented on a later Rolex 6251H rolled-link Jubilee bracelet with modified straight end pieces. The auction description reports the watch is in working condition, though its service history is unknown. The case retains the original "Rolex Oyster Case" engraving on the back. The watch exhibits signs of wear commensurate with its age, including patinated radium lume on the dial.

Front view of the 1956 Rolex ref. 6298, showcasing the black honeycomb dial, gilt dagger markers, and 3-6-9 numerals.
Front view of the 1956 Rolex ref. 6298, showcasing the black honeycomb dial, gilt dagger markers, and 3-6-9 numerals. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Oyster Perpetual
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6298
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXPREEXP6298
Source-reported date
1956
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
17XXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet Construction

The stainless steel case measures 36mm and is identified as the "Ovettone" or "big bubble back" style. The construction consists of a three-piece Oyster case featuring a smooth stainless steel bezel. The case back is embossed with the "Rolex Oyster Case" engraving, a design element the listing notes can often be diminished through polishing. The watch is fitted with a Rolex 6251H rolled-link Jubilee bracelet, which includes 22 links and modified straight end pieces to accommodate the case.

The crown features the Rolex coronet along with "Brevet" cross markings. The case is described as having well-defined geometry and finishing, with minimal evidence of past polishing. The bracelet displays normal stretch consistent with its era of production.

Evidence for this section
  • “The distinctive “Big Bubble Back,” or “Ovettone,” case back retains its original “Rolex Oyster Case” engraving”
  • “The original crown bears the Rolex coronet and “Brevet” cross markings.”
  • “The exceptional stainless steel case retains impressive proportions, well-defined finishing, and strong geometry throughout”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a black honeycomb-textured dial with gilt printing. Hour markers are comprised of a mix of dagger indices and applied 3-6-9 Arabic numerals. The dial also includes a gilt drilled minute track. The alpha-style hands are gilt and original to the piece.

Radium luminous material is applied to the dial markers and hands. While the lume plots are reported to be intact, the vendor notes that UV inspection reveals varying levels of degradation on the dial plots, though the hands show no such degradation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original black "honeycomb" gilt dial is simply a work of art”
  • “The darkly patinated radium lume plots all remain intact, with varying degradation present under UV light inspection.”
  • “The original radium gilt alpha hands match the dial perfectly, show no degradation under UV light inspection”

Historical Context and Condition

The reference 6298 is described as an evolution of the ref. 6098, featuring a three-piece case and a revised screw-down crown design. These models are categorized as "Pre-Explorer" watches, occupying a period in the mid-1950s before the final design of the Explorer line was fully realized.

The vendor reports that the watch is keeping time appropriately, although the specific service history remains undocumented. The condition is noted as well-preserved for its age, displaying only light signs of use throughout the case and bracelet.

Evidence for this section
  • “An evolution of the ref. 6098, it incorporated a three-piece Oyster case and an improved screw-down crown”
  • “The watch is keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown.”
  • “This 1956 example captures that transition beautifully.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber installed in this reference 6298?
  • Were modified straight end pieces a standard fit for the 6251H bracelet when paired with a 6298 case, or is this a unique adaptation?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1956 Rolex Pre-Explorer "Ovettone" Ref. 6298
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandRolex“Brand Rolex”
Reference6298“Model 6298”
Date1956“1956 Rolex Pre-Explorer "Ovettone" (Ref. 6298) Black "Honeycomb" Dial”
Serial17XXXX“Serial 17XXXX”
Case MaterialStainless Steel“Material Stainless Steel”
BraceletRolex 6251H "Rolled-Link" Jubilee Bracelet“Bracelet Rolex 6251H "Rolled-Link" Jubilee Bracelet W/ Modified Straight Ends”
DialBlack "Honeycomb"“Dial Black "Honeycomb”

Visible details

  • Black honeycomb dial with gilt numerals and dagger markers
  • Rolex coronet and 'Brevet' cross markings on crown
  • 36mm stainless steel Oyster case
  • Later Rolex 6251H rolled-link Jubilee bracelet

Research qualifications

  • Unknown service history
  • Varying levels of radium lume degradation

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

رولکس Pre-Explorer «Ovettone» رفرنس 6298، سال ۱۹۵۶، با صفحه مشکی لانه‌زنبوری

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d4a3820d6c

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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