Rolex 6298 "Pre-Explorer"

1953 Rolex launched the improved pre-Explorer reference 6298. This watch had the new three-piece case with the bezel-secure tropic crystals and a new ‘brevet +’ 6mm screw down crown.

This vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6298 sports a 36mm steel case with a protruding caseback – sometimes called a “bubble back” or "Ovettone" within Rolex collecting circles. The convex shape of the caseback was necessary to accommodate the winding rotor of the Caliber A296 automatic movement inside the watch.

For fans of vintage Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual reference 6298 is an interesting piece that hails from an era when the company was still establishing the design codes of their collections. Not only does it have a cool backstory but with a highly-versatile case size, it is also entirely wearable.

Our "Bubbleback" is a very early series, without in fact the "Explorer " marking on the dial, is in fabulous condition,the case serial is present but smoothed by the bracelet/strap. It arrives with one of our honey pigskin and its original buckle.