Released to celebrate Rolex's 40th anniversary in 1945, the Rolex Datejust has become one of the Genevan Giant's most iconic watches. The world's first wristwatch to display the date via an aperture on the dial, the Datejust revolutionized wristwatch design for decades to follow. With its emblematic Cyclops lens, jubilee bracelet (designed specifically for the model in 1945), and classy fluted precious metal bezel, the Datejust's aesthetic has always been that of pure elegance and class. Perhaps one of Rolex's most recognizable designs, the Datejust has evolved from its dressier roots into a perfectly capable timepiece rivaling the robustness of most brand's sports watches. However, before the “Datejust” name became as ubiquitous with Rolex as it is now, the ref. 6105 was launched in the mid-1940s as an extension of the Oyster Perpetual collection, but with the addition of a date function at 3 o’clock, like a precursor to the Datejust. A large watch for its time, the ref. 6105 sports a 36mm diameter case, but thanks to its bubbleback, the ref. 6105 earned the nickname “Ovettone” meaning “big egg” in Italian. This enlarged case made room for the ref. 6105’s newly introduced date wheel module on the movement and thereby allowed it to precede one of watchmaking’s most iconic models.

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case edges are soft, worn from nearly 70 years of use. The engine turned bezel has some light oxidation along the edges, and all the numbers between the lugs are clean and visible. The gilt dial has some wear and discoloration along the edges of the indexes, but presents nicely. Watch comes on a generic strap and buckle.

Blending the Datejust's classy design and the sizing of Rolex's sportier models, the Ovettone reference Datejusts have become brilliantly collectible as they give collectors a sense of truly vintage horology in a package that is not too removed from modern sizing.