ROLEX | EXPLORER, REF 6610STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETCIRCA 1958

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewels Movement number: N'826'652 Case: stainless steel, screw-down back Case number: 359'657 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Dimensions: 36 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing but the winding not smooth. There is a screw missing that would hold the movement to the case. The ROW engraving on the movement confirms export to Rolex USA. CASE: in honest condition with some sharpness to the case remaining. There are noticeable signs of frequent use over its life, as there are small dents and scratches throughout. The bracelet is later added from 1976, reference 78360 and endlinks stamped 580, in good condition with wear throughout. DIAL: in honest condition with signs of aging and fine staining throughout. Some of the radium has come off and is visible on the dial. Hands are correct including the white seconds hand. There is some luminous material missing from the hands. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The explorer reference 6610 was introduced in 1955, with an upgraded movement - calibre 1030.  The slimmer movement allowed for a thinner case and more compact caseback from those earlier models using calibre A296.