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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Datejust wristwatch

Rolex Datejust reference 6605

Partially verified

This Rolex Datejust, reference 6605, dates to 1959 based on serial number 459xxx. It features a 36mm steel case with an 18k yellow gold fluted bezel, described by the source as an early fine-milled or coin-edge style. The watch is distinguished by its glossy gilt dial, which utilizes galvanic printing and includes applied arrowhead-shaped hour markers. The dial is signed "Swiss" at the six o'clock position and is paired with dauphine-style hands. The watch is powered by a movement described as slow-set, which has undergone servicing by the vendor's watchmaker. It is presented on a leather strap from Bulang & Sons. The watch retains its characteristic date aperture with a cyclops lens on the crystal. This example represents the reference 6605 iteration of the Datejust model line, which first appeared in the late 1950s.

Rolex Datejust reference 6605 with gilt dial, steel and gold case, and leather strap.
Rolex Datejust reference 6605 with gilt dial, steel and gold case, and leather strap. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Datejust wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6605
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1959
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
459xxx

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 features a 36mm stainless steel case accented by a yellow gold "coin edge" fluted bezel. The dial is a glossy black surface produced using a galvanic printing process, resulting in golden-colored text and details.

Applied to the dial are arrowhead-shaped hour markers. The dial includes a date display at the three o'clock position, visible through a crystal equipped with a magnification cyclops lens. The signature at the base of the dial reads "Swiss" at the six o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “36mm steel case with 18 k yellow gold “coin edge” fluted bezel”
  • “Glossy gilt dial with arrow head markers “Swiss only “”
  • “gilt dials were made using a galvanic printing process”

Movement and Mechanism

The watch is equipped with a "slow-set" movement, a term used in the source to describe the date adjustment mechanism. The movement has been fully serviced by the vendor's watchmaker.

The movement sits within the Oyster Perpetual configuration, providing the base for the Datejust function.

Evidence for this section
  • “the slow-set movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.”
  • “Fully serviced by our watchmaker”

Identification and Dating

The watch is identified as reference 6605, a model introduced in the latter half of the 1950s. The serial number 459xxx provides a manufacture date of 1959.

This reference follows the earlier reference 4467. The watch includes a leather strap branded as a Bulang & Sons accessory.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rolex Reference 6605 Datejust”
  • “Serial 459xxx dating to 1959”
  • “introduced in the second half of the 1950s”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber number for this 1959 production?
  • Does the movement show signs of original factory components consistent with the 1959 serial number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Datejust reference 6605
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Vendor: Rolex”
ModelDatejust“Rolex Reference 6605 Datejust”
Reference6605“Rolex Reference 6605 Datejust”
Case MaterialSteel and 18k yellow gold“36mm steel case with 18 k yellow gold “coin edge” fluted bezel”
Serial Number459xxx“Serial 459xxx dating to 1959”
Dial TypeGilt dial“Glossy gilt dial with arrow head markers “Swiss only “”
Movement TypeSlow-set“the slow-set movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.”

Visible details

  • Applied yellow gold-tone arrowhead hour markers
  • Date aperture with cyclops magnification lens
  • Yellow gold fluted bezel
  • Black glossy dial with gilt script

Research qualifications

  • The exact extent of dial surface restoration or original finish is not specified beyond being identified as a "gilt" gloss dial.
  • The leather strap is a modern replacement by the vendor.

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

Consulted source

Rolex Datejust Gilt Dial ref 6605 Steel and Gold execution

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c205b88488

Terms in this record

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

Other datejust wristwatch records