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shocken2 · 6 September 2011, 04:49 PM

Hi all, new member seeking some info on the pictured Rolex Oysterdate. This my only vintage Rolex and frankly I bought it without knowing as much as I should have about this type of watch. I’ve done some research since then and have found a small number of very similar models online, but not a lot of solid info on them. It’s similar to a bubble back, but I don't know that that would be the popper classification.

The number between the lugs (where the ref no would be on a modern Rolex) is 6056. I’ve searched for info on “6056” Rolexes and have seen a number of different models that all use that same number. All seem to use a very similar 30mm case and I suspect that this may be a reference for the case alone, and not the specific model. The serial number (705xxx) dates it to aprox 1939.

I’m not actively trying to sell the watch, but would also appreciate any insight into the value (several of my vintage watches may have to go in the near future to fund a an Explorer I, or a Speedmaster Pro, or both). I took it into a local vintage shop lately and was offered $500, but didn't want to sell or make a counter offer without knowing more.

This is certainly the place for experts on this kind of thing and I’d love to hear from some members with more knowledge than me on the topic! Thanks!

The Joker · 6 September 2011, 05:32 PM

I thought the datejust was the first watch with an automatically changing date on the dial in 1945?

shocken2 · 6 September 2011, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Joker

I thought the datejust was the first watch with an automatically changing date on the dial in 1945?

Joker, that’s a great point. You made me re-think the SN dating and, with the help of a historical dating chart, I think I see the problem with my original 1939 date: the 70000 SN was first used in the late 1930s, BUT when the numbers hit 999,999 in the ‘50s they reset to zero. Soooo, 70000 was re-used in 1954-55. This date makes more sense from all angles. Thanks for nudging me into taking a closer look at this!

jjmcd · 8 September 2011, 01:35 PM

Yes, definitely 1950s, not 1930s.

shocken2 · 8 September 2011, 06:51 PM

I ended up taking the back off to look at the movement. In addition to getting some good shots of the movement (which is remarkably clean for the age), I saw on the reverse side of the case back that the ref no is actually 6066. Due to some wear, I had mistakenly read it between the lugs as 6056. A search for Oysterdate 6066 revels significant info on this model. Thanks for the replies. Mystery solved!

In terms of value, it seems asking price ranges anywhere from $1000-$2000. I'm guessing a realistic price for a private seller is close to the former figure.

Rolex2 · 9 September 2011, 12:20 PM

Has to be an Oyster bubbleback (automatic) to bring over $1000. If it's a manual wound,
$500 range. maybe $800 for the date.

6 September 2011, 04:49 PM	#1
shocken2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Scott Location: Honolulu, HI Watch: Sea Dweller Posts: 92	1939 Oysterdate - thoughts? Hi all, new member seeking some info on the pictured Rolex Oysterdate. This my only vintage Rolex and frankly I bought it without knowing as much as I should have about this type of watch. I’ve done some research since then and have found a small number of very similar models online, but not a lot of solid info on them. It’s similar to a bubble back, but I don't know that that would be the popper classification. The number between the lugs (where the ref no would be on a modern Rolex) is 6056. I’ve searched for info on “6056” Rolexes and have seen a number of different models that all use that same number. All seem to use a very similar 30mm case and I suspect that this may be a reference for the case alone, and not the specific model. The serial number (705xxx) dates it to aprox 1939. I’m not actively trying to sell the watch, but would also appreciate any insight into the value (several of my vintage watches may have to go in the near future to fund a an Explorer I, or a Speedmaster Pro, or both). I took it into a local vintage shop lately and was offered $500, but didn't want to sell or make a counter offer without knowing more. This is certainly the place for experts on this kind of thing and I’d love to hear from some members with more knowledge than me on the topic! Thanks!

6 September 2011, 05:32 PM	#2
The Joker "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Gotham Posts: 9,641	I thought the datejust was the first watch with an automatically changing date on the dial in 1945?

8 September 2011, 01:35 PM	#4
jjmcd "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 130	Yes, definitely 1950s, not 1930s.

8 September 2011, 06:51 PM	#5
shocken2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Scott Location: Honolulu, HI Watch: Sea Dweller Posts: 92	I ended up taking the back off to look at the movement. In addition to getting some good shots of the movement (which is remarkably clean for the age), I saw on the reverse side of the case back that the ref no is actually 6066. Due to some wear, I had mistakenly read it between the lugs as 6056. A search for Oysterdate 6066 revels significant info on this model. Thanks for the replies. Mystery solved! In terms of value, it seems asking price ranges anywhere from $1000-$2000. I'm guessing a realistic price for a private seller is close to the former figure.

9 September 2011, 12:20 PM	#6
Rolex2 Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: PA, USA Posts: 164	Has to be an Oyster bubbleback (automatic) to bring over $1000. If it's a manual wound, $500 range. maybe $800 for the date.

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