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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Wristwatch

Rolex Datejust Ref. 6605

Partially verified

This Rolex Datejust reference 6605, dating to circa 1956, is a vintage wristwatch featuring a yellow gold Oyster case with a finely fluted yellow gold bezel. The watch is equipped with a champagne-colored dial that has a satin finish, complemented by applied yellow gold arrowhead indices and matching alpha-style hands. The dial indicates it as a 'Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified' timepiece. The watch retains its period-correct crown, which features both the Brevet cross and the Rolex coronet logo. It is currently fitted with a non-original leather strap and includes a period-style yellow gold buckle that bears the Rolex coronet logo. The watch represents an early execution of the Datejust model, featuring a pie-pan dial design that predates the introduction of quickset date functionality in later 5-digit reference series. The overall condition is described by the vendor as fantastic, with a case that remains thick and symmetrical.

Front view of the Rolex Datejust Ref. 6605 with satin champagne dial.
Front view of the Rolex Datejust Ref. 6605 with satin champagne dial. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6605
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1956
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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 Dial Construction

The watch is housed in a solid yellow gold Oyster case, characterized by a finely fluted yellow gold bezel. The timepiece retains a period-correct crown that incorporates both the Brevet cross and the Rolex coronet logo.

The dial is presented in a champagne hue with a satin surface finish. It features a pie-pan design, a structural detail that provides a layered, three-dimensional appearance to the dial surface. The indices are applied in an 'arrowhead' style, which are paired with matching alpha-style hands for time indication. The dial is printed with 'Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified', denoting its chronometric rating.

Evidence for this section
  • “solid yellow gold Oyster case”
  • “finely fluted' yellow gold bezel”
  • “pie-pan dials which offer a layer of three-dimensionality”
  • “applied 'arrowhead' indices and a matching 'alpha' handset”

Market Context and Dating

This reference 6605 example dates to approximately 1956. The auction description notes that early Datejust references are considered uncommon compared to later models, as Rolex production volumes during the 1940s and 1950s were significantly lower than in subsequent decades. The model reflects the design specifications of the '4-digit' era of Datejust production.

The piece is presented as an example of the everyday watch concept originally proposed by Rolex in 1945.

Evidence for this section
  • “dating to circa 1956”
  • “Rolex simply was not making as many watches in the 40s and 50s as they later would”
  • “Datejust has been around since 1945”
  • “went away with the advent of quickset date and 5-digit Datejusts”

Accoutrements and Condition

The watch is paired with a period-style yellow gold buckle featuring a large coronet logo. This buckle is attached to a leather strap, which the auction description indicates is provided by the vendor. This accessory is described as being particularly rare for this period of Rolex watch production.

The auction description reports that the overall condition of the watch is fantastic, noting that it exhibits normal signs of wear consistent with its age and history. The vendor notes that despite previous potential light polishing, the case retains its intended form and symmetry.

Evidence for this section
  • “accompanied by a wildly-rare period yellow gold buckle with the large coronet logo”
  • “offered in fantastic overall condition”
  • “probably only very lightly polished an at earlier time”

Open research questions

  • Can the serial number be provided to verify the 1956 production date?
  • Is there confirmation of the reference number discrepancy between the header and body text?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Datejust Ref. 6605
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference6605“Rolex Datejust Ref. 6605”
Datecirca 1956“dating to circa 1956”
Case materialSolid yellow gold“solid yellow gold Oyster case”
Dial finishSatin champagne“champagne dial features a satin surface”
CrownBrevet cross and Rolex coronet“both the Brevet 'cross' and Rolex Coronet logos”
BuckleYellow gold with coronet logo“period yellow gold buckle with the large coronet logo”

Visible details

  • Satin finish champagne dial with pie-pan curvature
  • Applied yellow gold arrowhead hour indices
  • Finely fluted yellow gold bezel
  • Crown marked with Brevet cross and Rolex coronet

Research qualifications

  • The reference stated in the descriptive text (5506) conflicts with the product title and URL (6605)
  • The vendor notes the watch has 'probably' been polished at an earlier time

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Rolex Datejust رفرنس 6605 با صفحه Satin Champagne

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e16c68b748

Terms in this record

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

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