SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, 50M=165FT, TURN-O-GRAPH, REF. 6202, CASE NO. 1’950’767, CIRCA 1953

In production between 1953 and 1954 only, reference 6202 was available with different dial designs. The present example, featuring the red depth rating at 6 o’ clock, is indisputably among the rarest. Furthermore, the nicely aged dial is fully original, the luminous material to numerals and hands is homogeneously discoloured. A note of historical interest is given by the fact that the present wristwatch is among the first to feature the Mercedes hands, which were introduced around this time.

The case presents likewise interesting details, such as the perfectly preserved designation “Brevet” and matching brevet crown and cross symbol engraved between the lugs. The number 18 stamped underneath the upper right lug and then again inside the case back originates from a difficult import procedure into the United States requested for a short time at that period. To facilitate importation, this number was stamped on the inside and outside of the watch, indicating the case maker for the piece, in this instance Genex, Rolex’s case maker of choice at the time.

During the production period of reference 6202, spare parts without serial numbers were also manufactured. The original serial number of the present watch, 950’767, now reads 1’950’767. It can be assumed that the middle part of the case was replaced during a service at Rolex, the new part engraved with the same serial number however with the addition of the digit „1“.