Inspired by the first-ever successful summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who wore a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, the Rolex Explorer has long been Rolex's ultimate adventure watch. Constructed entirely from Rolex's 904L steel, the Explorer's robust design ensures that it can always battle the elements. Featuring some of Rolex's most capable movements and a rich heritage to boot, the Explorer is another display of their timeless design as this icon of watchmaking has remained virtually untouched in its aesthetic since its inception. Identifiable by its signature 3-6-9 glossy black dial, a flat stainless steel bezel, and entirely satin-brushed stainless steel case and bracelet, the Rolex Explorer has become renowned for its understated class, sporty elegance, and capable construction.

Legendary as the Explorer reference that began to evolve the Explorer’s aesthetic beyond the Oyster Perpetual line, the short-lived ref. 6610 was launched in 1955 and produced until around 1959 and features all of the design signatures that we expect from a vintage Explorer. These come in the form of its lacquered black gilt dial, iconic 3-6-9 dial layout and 36mm stainless steel Oyster case. Featuring radium lume, this example’s gilt chapter ring dial is in great condition, given how radium can impact some dials, and also boasts the rare "exclamation" at 6 o'clock, which denoted the use of a safer amount of radium used in the dial. Fitted with the new (at the time) cal. 1030 movement, the Explorer ref. 6610 ditched the bubble caseback in lieu of the modern flat caseback that has become a Rolex standard. A truly iconic design with wonderful flourishes that remind its wearer of its vintage and original purpose, this Rolex Explorer ref. 6610 will make for an excellent addition to anyone’s collection.

The watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case has a number of light scratches and marks across the surface, as expected of a watch of this vintage, with some wear to the backs of the lugs from previous bracelet fitment. The case back has light scratches. The dial is excellent, retaining its glossy finish with remnants of the exclamation dot at six, while the hands show some oxidation. The exclamation dot dial dates to approx 1962, and gives a faint to moderate reading on a geiger counter. It is likely an early service dial. The watch is fitted with a green leather strap and a steel pin buckle in near-mint condition. Please note that when winding, the crown can feel like it ‘slips’ slightly, although it does wind and is running well.