Le Monde Edmond shares his excitement over acquiring a Rolex 6350 Explorer Honeycomb, a watch he considers a 'holy grail.' He highlights its underrated status within the Rolex community and its unique design elements, including the 'long neck' hour hand and 'elongated' minute hand, anticipating a detailed report on this significant reference.
After finding a wonderful 6350 Explorer Honeycomb last year but failing to act in time - I promised myself that I would make this my top priority in 2015. Thanks to a HK collector the 6350 arrived sooner than I expected. I think besides being one of the most beautiful watches Rolex ever made, the 6350 Explorer is also an important watch. It is still completely underated by the Rolex community. With time, collectors will come to appreciate the true beauty and rarity of the 6350 honeycomb. It is one of the very few watches to share the 'long neck' hour hand with other important Rolex models like the 6200 and the 6205. The minute hand is unique with its 'elongated' end tip. Best of all is the dial ofcourse which is a piece of art. I will be writing a report on this report very soon. In the meantime enjoy another picture of what is for me a 'holy grail' watch.
This message has been edited by Baron on 2015-01-26 04:45:54 This message has been edited by Baron on 2015-02-04 09:12:18
About the Rolex Submariner Ref. 6200
Rolex Submariner Reference 6200
The Rolex Submariner reference 6200 represents an early iteration within the Submariner No Date series. Produced during 1954-1955, this reference features a 37mm case size and incorporates the essential diving watch elements of a rotating unidirectional bezel and 200-meter water resistance. The black dial configuration provides the foundational aesthetic that would characterize the series.
The 37mm stainless steel case houses the automatic caliber A.260 movement, offering a 42-hour power reserve. An acrylic crystal protects the black dial, while the rotating unidirectional bezel provides the timing functionality. The watch is completed with a steel bracelet, maintaining material consistency throughout the construction.
This reference appeals to collectors focused on early Submariner iterations and those interested in the technical specifications of 1950s Rolex production. The brief production window of 1954-1955 and the specific caliber A.260 movement distinguish this reference within the broader Submariner catalog. The 37mm case size and acrylic crystal reflect the manufacturing standards of the mid-1950s period.
Specifications
Caliber
A.260
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
37 mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
200m
Crystal
Acrylic
About the Rolex Ref. 6205
The Rolex Submariner reference 6205 is an early iteration of the Submariner line, distinguished by its pencil hands and a bezel without minute markers for the first fifteen minutes. This reference is notable for being one of the first Submariner models to feature the "Submariner" name on the dial, a key identifier for collectors of early dive watches. It represents a transitional period in the development of the Submariner, preceding later references with more standardized design elements. Its design cues reflect the functional requirements of its era, emphasizing legibility and durability.
This reference typically features a stainless steel case, housing an automatic movement. The case diameter is characteristic of early sports watches, providing a balanced presence on the wrist. The crystal is a domed plexiglass, contributing to its vintage aesthetic and offering a warm distortion at the edges. The movement is an automatic caliber, designed for reliability and consistent timekeeping. The water resistance rating was appropriate for its intended use as a tool watch, though specific depths varied in early production.
For collectors, the reference 6205 is significant due to its early production date and its role in establishing the Submariner's design language. Its scarcity, particularly with well-preserved dials and bezels, makes it a sought-after piece. Variants may exist in dial text and bezel configurations, which are closely examined by enthusiasts. This reference appeals to those interested in the foundational models of Rolex's professional watch lines, offering insight into the brand's early approach to purpose-built timepieces.
Specifications
Caliber
A260
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
38mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
100m
Crystal
Plexiglass
About the Rolex Ref. 6350
The Rolex Reference 6350 is recognized as an early iteration within the Explorer line, distinguished by its specific dial configuration and case characteristics that predate later, more widely produced Explorer models. It represents a transitional period in Rolex's development of robust tool watches, offering insights into the evolving design language and functional priorities of the brand during the mid-20th century. This reference is notable for its connection to early exploration and adventure narratives, albeit without specific claims of individual achievements.
This reference typically features a stainless steel case, housing an automatic movement. The crystal is commonly a domed acrylic type, consistent with watches of its era, providing durability and ease of maintenance. The dial often presents with Arabic numerals at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, a signature element of the Explorer series, along with baton or dagger markers for the remaining hours. The case diameter is characteristic of mid-century sports watches, designed for legibility and wearability.
For collectors, the Reference 6350 is significant due to its relative scarcity and its position as a foundational piece in the Explorer lineage. Its distinct dial variations and early production features make it a point of interest for those studying the historical progression of Rolex's professional watch offerings. The appeal lies in its authentic vintage character and its representation of an important chapter in the brand's history of producing purpose-built timepieces.
Specifications
Caliber
A296
Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
36mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Plexiglass
Key Points from the Discussion
Early Explorer references like the 6350 are significantly under-researched, making it challenging to compile comprehensive databases of authentic examples.
The lack of extensive research and critical mass of available early Explorer watches means a 'feeding frenzy' among collectors is unlikely in the near future, allowing patient collectors to find beautiful examples.
Despite the current lack of widespread appreciation, early Explorer references such as the 6150, 6350, and 6610 are poised for future recognition due to their historical importance and charm.
The 6350 Explorer is a fascinating reference with various dial and hand configurations, including honeycomb, non-honeycomb, pencil hands, and Mercedes hands, mostly featuring early gilt and gloss dials.
The early Explorer references are massively under-appreciated by the collecting community, a situation that may not change soon, which some collectors view as a positive.
The combination of a chapter ring, unique hands, and honeycomb dial makes the 6350 an outstanding, unique, and charming timepiece.
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The Discussion
AM
amanico
Jan 26, 2015
Totally my kind of cup of tea... We should try to organize a photo session with some of your catches... I am thinking about this 6542 and this one! Best! Nicolas
BA
Baron - Mr Red
Jan 26, 2015
I guessed it would happen sooner or later, and of course you had given me a bit of a hint......but it is fantastic to see the 6350 pictures and of course your obvious research and meticulous attention to detail on it. Congratulations to you!
LE
Le Monde Edmond
Jan 26, 2015
Yes you had a heads up. Thank you for your kind comments. I hope I did my research well and it will be reflected in the report. The 6350 is a fascinating reference I have to admit. Many different variations exist (honeycomb, non honey, pencil hands, mercedes hands etc). I think it is a charming reference with all of them early gilt and gloss dials for the most part. Next project to dive into: 6610. Best Edmond
BA
Baron - Mr Red
Jan 26, 2015
......like you, I think the early Explorer reference is massively under-appreciated by the collecting community. The problem is, I am not sure I see it changing any time soon. Toi my mind, that is no bad thing.
LE
Le Monde Edmond
Jan 26, 2015
My friend come to Zurich and we do this with pleasure. Thank you for your kind words. Indeed we have similar taste with early Rolex. Best Edmond
LE
Le Monde Edmond
Jan 26, 2015
It is not a bad thing. It really doesn't bother me the slightest. I think your right that it will not change for the foreseeable future. Not with Explorers in general. But with early references such as the 6150 and 6350 (also perhaps the 6610) - it is only a matter of time before collectors discover their importance and charm. My report will hopefully aid this process. The problem is that almost nothing has been written about them. Its the usual problem. There is an overdose of information on Su
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