ROLEX. A STAINLESS STEEL SELF-WINDING WATERPROOF WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP BEATING SECONDS

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL CHRONOMETER, MODEL TRUBEAT, REF. 6556, CIRCA 1950

Details

ROLEX. A STAINLESS STEEL SELF-WINDING WATERPROOF WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP BEATING SECONDS
signed rolex, oyster perpetual chronometer, model trubeat, ref. 6556, circa 1950
With nickel-finished lever movement, 26 jewels, the brushed silvered dial with applied baton numerals, luminous hands, sweep center seconds beating one second at a time, the tonneau water-resistant-type case with screw down crown, screw back, case, dial and movement signed.

35mm diam.
Rolex

Provenance

Formerly in the collection of Hans Ravenborg. Sold Christie's London, September 30, 1997, lot 165.

Lot Essay

The model 6556 was called the "Trubeat" and the "Metropolitan" depending on the market they were sold in. The "dead beat" second movement was introduced on wristwatches during the 1950's and many companies ranging from Doxa to Longines also produced such watches. Based on the systems used in the Marine Chronometers, the "dead beat" escapement was claimed to enhance readability. The model name would usually be on the dial, but on this particular dial it has been replaced.