Why This Watch Matters

This stainless steel Rolex Oysterdate with a navy blue dial is the perfect Rolex to be dressed up or down for all occasions.

The Full Story

Vintage collectors often get caught up in the infinitesimal details that intrigue further and further as you dive in. Yet sometimes, a watch jumps up and hits us in the face with pure, simplistic, undeniable greatness. The stainless steel Oyster case and bracelet create an already iconic vintage look. Add in a gorgeous blue dial, and this watch is a real stunner. Translating from Rolex, the "Precision" branding indicates a manually-wound movement, just as "Perpetual" points to a self-winding or automatic movement powering the watch. Rolex watches like this one are consistently compelling, never going out of style.

This example of the Oysterdate Precision stands out due to its modest size and feel on the wrist. Oyster cases measuring 35mm diameter were long considered to be less desirable than larger models from the company, but over the past few years, this has changed quite drastically. As size preferences have skewed slightly smaller, appreciation of these 35mm Oysters has risen thanks to an extremely comfortable on-the-wrist feel. This effect is taken to an even greater level thanks to the Rolex USA C&I-riveted Oyster bracelet, an excellent match for the watch. The resulting look is surprisingly versatile.

Blue and steel just work well next to each other, and this example's dial really pops on the wrist. Beyond the base color, a great patina has developed to the tritium lume at each hour marker as well as on the hands. Especially against the blue, and while contrasting with the steel hour markers and hands, the creamy custard color lume is gorgeous.

The Fine Print

Maker: Rolex
Model: Oysterdate Precision
Reference: 6694
Year: 1978
Case No: 5550957
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 35mm diameter; 11mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Rolex, manual-wound, caliber 1225
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex USA Oyster rivet C&I bracelet
Lug Width: 19mm
Box/Papers: No

What we Love and What You Should Know

This Rolex is in good, honest overall condition. The case has some light scratches with a few marks and a couple light indentations on the nine o'clock side. The underside of the lugs shows some scratches from the bracelet.

The dial is in great condition with a light patina overall. The lume plots are all-around full, with an attractive beige patina. There is some more noticeable patina on the dial near the edges and lume plots. The hands are in good condition with a light patina. The lume on the hands has aged to a slightly darker patina than the lume on the dial.

The Rolex USA C&I rivet Oyster bracelet is in good condition with scratches and some stretch to the links. The clasp has some scratches to both sides. The clasp is dated "74," corresponding to a 1974 year of manufacture, indicating this is an earlier replacement. The dial, case, movement, and bracelet are all signed. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.