Rolex Oyster Precision, ref: 6422. 'II.57'

A Rolex Oyster Precision, ref: 6422. Produced 2nd quarter 1957.

- Manual wind Rolex cal. 1210, 17 jewel movement.

- Fitted with Rolex 6635 stretch rivet bracelet, clasp ‘2 64’ & no. 57 end links.

This is a beautiful 34mm, oyster cased ref. 6422 from circa 1957, fitted with a slightly later bracelet from 1964. A classic, without the added clutter of a date window. However, in contrast to the simple dial layout, this particular example has an eye-catching Arabic 3,6,9 quadrant ‘Chevron’ dial, with silver dagger markers and dauphine hands, the marker plots and hands filled with radium lume.

When I found this watch it was missing its handset, crown and the plexiglass had aged beyond repair and the watch was a little dirty. Furthermore, the cal. 1210 was damaged and it would not have been be easy to find original parts for. Probably the reason it was out of action. I could however its potential, so made the decision to find a nice donor movement and an original handset. After several weeks searching, I managed to source a beautiful movement & crown from the UK. And from the US, an original radium handset with uncommon, but era correct blued seconds hand.

A Personal Note:-

The uncluttered chevron dial is the start of the show, and changes dramatically depending on the light. And the watch just wears beautifully on this strap. A winning combo and a really unique head-turner overall.

Condition:-

This piece is in lovely overall condition. The case and smooth bezel, although showing signs of use from their 69 year life, remain very strong. The lugs have retained their shape with their holes remaining well defined and with plenty of metal between them and the lug edges. The reference number & serial are still clearly defined and visible.

The dial is of course showing plenty of patina, but is honest and really quite clean, especially given its age. Many of these will deteriorate in an unpleasing way. The original radium lume is present on both the dial and the handset, having aged to a darkish, cream hue. The plexiglass is brand new and replaces the original which had suffered too much age-related cracking.

The crown is original twinlock Rolex. The screw-in caseback is original to the head, with the dates matching. An interesting observation when it comes to the caseback markings, is that it is stamped with a ‘6494’, which has then been struck-through. A ‘6422’ is stamped below instead. Although this may at first seem strange, it is not uncommon for some watches from 1956/7 to be found like this. Rolex often repurposed components for different, but related, references. I see it as a lovely factory quirk!

The bracelet is a seldom seen 6635 stretch rivet item from 1964 and is in unbelievably good condition. Virtually no stretch in the links and the springs are all working perfectly and are very strong. It would not have started out life matched with this head, but for whatever reason, was with the watch when I acquired it. The 57 end links are not strictly known to be used primarily for this case, but work nevertheless. The Rolex clasp shuts reassuringly. The blades are in good condition and the coronet is well defined. These bracelets alone are highly sought after, especially in this condition.

Movement:-

The Rolex Cal. 1210 is keeping good time. If being extremely picky, the amplitude is on the lower end of where I would like to see it, if for example it had received a full overhaul. In my opinion however, it does not currently warrant undergoing a service.

I guarantee the authenticity and the working order of this piece at the time of sale, and will offer a 3 month extended warranty. Servicing the movement at cost is also an option. Although this is a sports watch, please don’t expect it to be waterproof.