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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Datejust wristwatch

Rolex Datejust Ovettone Reference 6305

Partially verified

This Rolex Datejust, identified as reference 6305, is an automatic wristwatch encased in a 36mm steel body. It features a distinctive white honeycomb-patterned dial, which includes a date aperture with a metal frame revealing a roulette date wheel. The dial is signed with red "DATEJUST" text, the "OCC" designation, and the word "SWISS" at the base. The watch is equipped with dagger-style hands containing lume, which shows signs of patina. Its nickname, 'Ovettone' or 'big egg', relates to the deep, rounded caseback construction required to accommodate the automatic winding rotor mechanism. The watch is presented without a cyclops-magnified crystal, fitted instead with a tropic crystal. It is accompanied by a Bulang and Sons strap and a leather watch pouch, and has undergone a full mechanical service by the vendor.

Front view of the Rolex Datejust 6305 showing the white honeycomb dial, dagger hands, and roulette date wheel.
Front view of the Rolex Datejust 6305 showing the white honeycomb dial, dagger hands, and roulette date wheel. — Bulang and Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Datejust wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6305
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1955
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
87xxx

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 Crystal Construction

The watch features a 36mm steel case characterized by the seller as an 'Ovettone' or 'big egg' model. This designation arises from the depth of the case, which was engineered to house the automatic winding rotor. As observed in the documentation, the caseback is deep and rounded to accommodate these internal mechanical components.

The timepiece is currently fitted with a tropic crystal that does not feature a cyclops magnification lens. This configuration is noted to offer a distinct aesthetic to the watch compared to standard date-magnified versions.

Evidence for this section
  • “36mm steel Ovettone case”
  • “These Rolex big bubbleback watches are known by their Italian nickname ‘Ovettone’ (big egg) due to the exceptional depth of case.”
  • “The finishing touch is that this DJ has a Cyclops-free tropic crystal installed”

Dial and Indication

The dial is a white honeycomb pattern, described as a rare feature for this reference. It is signed with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust text, the "DATEJUST" word presented in red, and the "OCC" (Officially Certified Chronometer) designation.

The date function is displayed through a metal-framed aperture at the three o'clock position, which shows a roulette date wheel. The markers and dagger hands exhibit luminescent material that has aged, displaying a patina consistent with its mid-1950s production date.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rare white honeycomb dial”
  • “The dial is signed SWISS and has the metal date aperture window, which nicely frames the original roulette date wheel.”
  • “The 50s styling is evident in the dagger hands with lume, that has taken on a nice patina.”

Mechanical and Service Status

The movement is housed within the steel case and features a self-winding rotor system as described by the vendor. The internal components, including the winding mechanism, are original to the design of this deep-case model.

The watch is reported as having been fully serviced by the vendor's watchmaker.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.”
  • “This was necessary due to the auto-wind rotor and so the caseback is deep and rounded.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber installed in this 6305 reference?
  • How frequent are white honeycomb dials on reference 6305 examples compared to other dial configurations?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Datejust Ovettone Reference 6305
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Vendor: Rolex”
Reference6305“Reference 6305”
Case MaterialSteel“36mm steel Ovettone case”
Dial StyleHoneycomb“Rare white honeycomb dial”
Serial Number87xxx“Serial 87xxx dating to 1955”
NicknameOvettone“These Rolex big bubbleback watches are known by their Italian nickname ‘Ovettone’ (big egg)”
Date WindowRoulette wheel“roulette date wheel”
CrystalTropic (non-cyclops)“Cyclops-free tropic crystal”

Visible details

  • Dagger-style hands with visible patina on luminous inserts.
  • Honeycomb-patterned textured dial surface.
  • Roulette date wheel displayed in a metal-framed aperture.

Research qualifications

  • The serial number '87xxx' is provided by the vendor, and the dating to 1955 is based on this figure.
  • The claim of the watch being in 'all-original condition' is attributed to the vendor.

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Rolex Datejust Ovettone رفرنس 6305 با صفحه لانه‌زنبوری

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 67684d9756

Terms in this record

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

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