Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6088 in Rose Gold

In the early 1950s, Rolex created swathes of Oyster-cased wristwatches to cater the whims of specific watch-buying segments. Among those early efforts were a series of waterproof automatics meant to be durable and elegant dressier offerings, alongside the early Submariners. This is the genesis of the modern OP and it feels it. However, the range of what was on offer confounds the mind by comparison to today. There were multiple crown sizes, metals, and even movements. Moreover, there were cloisonné enamel dials, Arabic dials, the famed star dials, and this: the very attractive honeycomb dial. This is not Rolex as you know them. This is an exceptionally elegant offering and variant from what was a nascent monolith.

Everyting about this watch was modern. The extravagant rose gold case is 36mm, quite large for the time, and of two-piece construction. While most early Oyster Perpetuals (the bubble backs) featured undersized crowns in order to advertise the fact that they need not be wound, this latter example features a slightly larger and signed crown. The dial is a detailed honeycomb affair with applied indices, lume, and even an applied coronet (rarely seen). This texture was popularized by the 6541/3 Milgauss, but this style started much earlier. The familiar OP text is flanked by officially certified chronometer down at 6. Movement is also signed and numbered.

This example presents very well. The case is strong, its dial is original and unrestored, the back shows surface wear, and the lugs are sharp. It is said to be running well and comes from a reputable retailer.

Find this 6088 OP here from Brevet Watches listed as POA.