This vintage, steel Rolex Precision Pre-Explorer ref. 6150 watch from the early 1950's is a beautiful example of a now iconic tool watch. It has its original, gilt chapter-ring black dial with subtle patina on the Radium hour markers. It also has its original, gilt handset.

The Rolex Explorer was first introduced in 1953. Beginning as a prototype designed specifically for professional use. Typically thought of as the most rugged of the oyster family, the Rolex Explorer has always been closely-associated with the rigours of international adventure and exploration. Famously tested during the Himalayan expeditions, there aren’t many mechanical timepieces more deserving of the reputation. The Rolex reference 6150 arguably represents the Explorer in its purest form. This particular case dates to 1953 (serial 944 XXX); a very early example of a rare watch.

Launched in the early 1950's, the reference 6150 is one of the rarest and earliest examples of the “Explorer” model; the earliest of which, do not carry the “Explorer” name (only reading “Precision”). The designation was later added to the dial of the reference 6150. Many refer to the reference as a “Pre-Explorer” since the first Rolex reference to carry the “Explorer” designation was the model 6350, which was only manufactured in 1953. The designation was a tribute to adventurers such as Sir Edmund Hillary and Norgay, who would go on to reach the summit of Mount Everest the same year, whilst pioneering the modern concepts of sports/celebrity marketing. The reference 6150 “prototype” is one of only a handful of references rigorously tested during the earliest period of its production, for suitability to withstand the harshest of conditions. The Rolex Precision 6150 was arguably the influential benchmark used throughout the design process of later examples of the ‘Explorer’, emphasising legibility, waterproofness, and enhanced reliability.

The case of this Rolex is in excellent condition. The brushing on top of the lugs is consistent, while the spring-bar spaces show little sign of elongation. The flat bezel is sharp and gives the watch an appropriate utilitarian feel. The company’s revolutionary two-piece, hermetically sealed case was adapted in Rolex’s earliest self-winding references, designed to accommodate increased height of the automatic mechanism. This Rolex Precision Pre-Explorer 6150 features this early “bubble-back” style case-back.

Inside the watch, it houses Rolex’s early A296 movement. Noticeably different from today’s; the mechanism is almost entirely concealed, along with the engraving ‘ROLEX PERPETUAL’ and ‘PATENTED’ featured.

As with many great watches, there are celebrated characteristics that make it special. The 3-6-9 dial configuration is beloved by collectors for its distinguishable style and functional purpose; the Rolex Precision ‘Pre-Explorer’ being one of the very first to have incorporated the iconic black dial with ‘3-6-9’ hour markers.

This Rolex Explorer 6150 comes on a brown suede strap and generic steel, tang Rolex buckle.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look