A New Old Stock Mid-Size Rolex Oyster Perpetual 14k Yellow Gold with Florentine Finish

Reference: 6551

Circa: 1960s

Movement: Automatic Caliber 1161, rhodium plated, 26 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating fl at balance-spring.

Case: 30mm 14k yellow gold with Florentine finish, screw-down case back and crown; Oyster bracelet with deployant clasp; Rolex sticker on case back signifies New Old Stock. Portuguese import hallmark on left side of case.

Dial: Sunburst champagne dial with applied yellow gold indices, sweeping center seconds, and Rolex crown logo at 12 o'clock

More about Rolex:

Rolex first introduced their Oyster case in 1926. With its screw-down case back and crown, it was the first waterproof watch. The Oyster Perpetual followed in 1950, with the caliber 1160, which was also used in some Submariner and Explorer references (65xx and 66xx). 

The mid-sized Oyster Perpetual watches were produced from roughly 1960 to 1986. The present watch contains the caliber 1160 movement, which Rolex primarily used in their ladies' models. It has an attractive and rare Florentine finish, also known as the Morellis finish, is a textured surface decoration composed of intersecting sets of parallel lines. A flat graver is used for this technique. The fact that this type of rare finishing is usually seen on President bracelets distinguishes this mid size Rolex from other Oyster Perpetuals of the same vintage, and its status as New Old Stock makes it a fine addition to a vintage collection.