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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Royal Ref. 6426

Partially verified

This Rolex Oyster Royal, reference 6426, is a vintage, manual-wind wristwatch dating to circa 1957. Housed in a stainless steel Oyster case measuring 34mm in diameter, the watch is designed as a functional timekeeping device, omitting complications. The silver-colored dial features a satin surface, applied hour indices, and luminous plots that show even patination. Time is indicated by 'alpha' style hour and minute hands, complemented by a blued-steel central seconds hand. The timepiece retains its screw-down crown and water-resistant Oyster case construction. It is presented on a textured, stitched brown leather strap. According to the provided description, the case maintains symmetrical proportions with light signs of wear, and the dial components are described as fully intact. This model serves as an example of the manufacturer's mid-century Oyster line.

Front view of the Rolex Oyster Royal Ref. 6426 with a silver dial and brown leather strap.
Front view of the Rolex Oyster Royal Ref. 6426 with a silver dial and brown leather strap. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6426
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1957
Source-reported place
Not established

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

The watch features a stainless steel Oyster case with a diameter of 34mm. The case design incorporates the screw-down structure associated with the Oyster line, including a screw-down crown. The overall condition is described as having thick, symmetrical proportions with light wear.

The dial is finished in a silver satin surface. It displays applied hour indices paired with luminous plots. The handset consists of alpha-style hour and minute hands with matching lume, accompanied by a blued-steel central seconds hand. The dial is marked with the Rolex crown logo, the model name, and the text 'PRECISION' above the 'SWISS' indication at the bottom.

Evidence for this section
  • “The stainless steel Oyster case comes in at 34mm in diameter”
  • “The correct 'alpha' handset matches beautifully and the correct blued-steel seconds hand”
  • “Silver in color, the satin surface is beautifully preserved and features both applied indices and luminous plots”

Movement and Functionality

The watch is powered by a manual-wind movement, stripped of additional functions to serve as a basic timekeeping instrument. This simplicity is part of the Oyster Royal's design, which emphasizes the water-resistant characteristics of the Oyster case over other complications.

The watch functions as a straightforward time-only piece. Its construction relies on the sealed case architecture that defines the Oyster series, providing a water-resistant environment for the manual caliber contained within.

Evidence for this section
  • “utilizing a water-resistant Oyster case, a manually-wound movement, and nothing else”
  • “No frills — purely a functional timekeeping device.”

Condition

The auction description reports the watch is in strong overall condition for its age. The case retains its intended shape and features light signs of wear without notable damage.

The dial remains well-preserved, with the luminous plots described as being fully intact and exhibiting even patination. The watch is currently paired with a non-original brown leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “comes to us in strong overall condition, with thick and symmetrical proportions and showing only light signs of wear with no damage of note”
  • “features both applied indices and luminous plots — all of which remain fully-intact and evenly patinated.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used in this reference 6426?
  • Can the production year be verified through a serial number check?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Royal Ref. 6426
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ModelOyster Royal“Oyster Royal”
Case diameter34mm“34mm in diameter”
Datecirca 1957“dates to circa 1957”
Case materialStainless steel“The stainless steel Oyster case”
Movement typeManually-wound“manually-wound movement”

Visible details

  • Applied indices on dial
  • Blued-steel central seconds hand
  • Luminous plots at hour markers
  • Screw-down crown visible

Research qualifications

  • The exact serial number is not provided in the source.
  • Internal movement condition is not documented in photographs.

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی وینتیج Rolex Oyster Royal رفرنس 6426

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 74382d167a

Terms in this record

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

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