Rolex ref 6094 from the year 1952

The Rolex Reference 6094 is the very first Rolex Oysterdate model ever made, introduced around 1952 to 1953. It features a 34mm stainless steel case (measuring about 34mm excluding the crown) with a manual winding caliber 740 movement. The watch has a distinct vintage design with a plexiglass crystal, date function (with some models featuring a red date window), and was typically paired with either a leather strap or an Oyster bracelet. It is notable for its rarity, as it was produced for a short period, with some versions made for the Japanese market due to strict radium regulations (so they lack radium lume). Examples remain highly collectible today due to its place in Rolex history as the first Oysterdate and its subtle mid-century charm.

Key characteristics include:

• Case diameter: 34mm (excluding crown)

• Manual winding caliber 740 movement

• Steel case and bracelet or leather strap options

• Date window, sometimes with a red date numeral

• Non-radium dial models often targeted for Japan

• Crystal: Plexiglass

• Lug-to-lug length: About 39.5mm

• Thickness: Approx. 12.9mm

This model laid the foundation for the Oysterdate Precision line, which later evolved into references like the 6694, famous for the same 34mm size and hand-wound movement but with updated features. Its vintage appeal and rarity make it a prized watch among collectors of early Rolex Oysterdates.

In summary, The main hand-wind Oysterdate Precision references are 6094, 6294, 6466, 6494, and 6694, which cover most of the vintage manual-wind models. However, there are a few additional references that occasionally appear in collector circles:

Ref. 6294 – An early Oysterdate reference, similar in size and movement to the 6094, produced in the 1950s. It is less commonly seen than the 6094 but part of the same family of manual-wind Oysterdates.

• Ref. 6494 – Another variant, often found with a 34 mm case, manual wind, and produced in the 1950s. It is sometimes referred to as a “bubble back” due to the case design and is rarer than the 6694 or 6094.

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref. 6094

• Case size: 34 mm

• Movement: Manual-wind Caliber 1215

• Production years: Early 1950s (around 1951–1953)

• Features: Sword hands, acrylic crystal, Oyster bracelet, “Precision” dial, date function (no quick-set), red or black date wheel.

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref. 6294

• Case size: 34 mm

• Movement: Manual-wind Caliber 1215 or 1225

• Production years: Mid-1950s

• Features: Straight hands (later models), some with Cyclops lens, “Precision” dial, date function (no quick-set), Oyster bracelet.

Rolex 6266 Oysterdate is a vintage hand-winding model from the 1950s, notable for its classic design and historical significance in Rolex’s catalog. It typically features a 30–32mm stainless steel case, a smooth bezel, and a distinctive dial—often with a “honeycomb” or “waffle” texture and a red date wheel at 3 o’clock, making it a sought-after piece among vintage Rolex collectors

Key Features

• Manual wind movement, usually the Caliber 1215, known for reliability and accuracy

• Waterproof Oyster case, a hallmark of Rolex’s durability.

• Dials often show unique textures such as honeycomb, tropical, or patina, adding to their collectibility

• Case sizes are generally small (28–32mm), suitable for both men and women.

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref. 6466

• Case size: 30 mm

• Movement: Manual-wind Caliber 1215 or 1225

• Production years: 1960s–1970s

• Features: Smaller case, designed for slimmer wrists, “Precision” dial, date function (no quick-set), Oyster bracelet.

Rolex Oysterdate Precision Ref. 6494

• Case size: 34 mm

• Movement: Manual-wind Caliber 1215 or 1225

• Production years: Mid-1950s

• Features: Wide range of dial colors, “Precision” dial, date function (no quick-set), Oyster bracelet, some with Cyclops lens.

• Ref. 6694 – The most common and long-running Oysterdate Precision, manual-wind, 34 mm, produced from the early 1960s to late 1980s. Often found in steel, two-tone, or gold.

• Ref. 6494 – Another 34 mm manual-wind reference, mid-1950s, with a variety of dial colors and “bubble back” style.

• Ref. 6465 – A gold-plated manual-wind Oysterdate Precision, smaller (around 30 mm), produced in the 1960s, less common than 6466.

• Ref. 6294 – Mid-1950s, manual-wind, 34 mm, often with straight hands and sometimes a Cyclops lens.

These references (6465, 6266, 6294, 6494, 6694) complete the list of known manual-wind Oysterdate