From the Family of the Original Owner
Rolex
'Pre-Explorer', Navy limited edition, Reference 6150 A stainless steel wristwatch Circa 1953
Lot Closed
December 17, 02:28 PM GMT
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Rolex
'Pre-Explorer', Navy limited edition, Reference 6150
A stainless steel wristwatch
Circa 1953
Dial: black
Calibre: cal. A296 automatic, 18 jewels
Movement number: 06'446
Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back
Case number: 931'134
Closure: associated fabric strap and metal pin buckle
Size: 36 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Papers: no
Box: yes
Accessories: Rolex presentation box with outer packaging
The present Rolex reference 6150, often referred to as a “Pre-Explorer,” is a remarkable and historically significant example with a unique military provenance. Originally produced in the early 1950s, the reference 6150 predates the official release of the Explorer, yet this example bears the iconic Explorer name on the dial, reflecting its place at the very beginning of Rolex’s legendary model lineage.
This particular watch carries an extraordinary naval history. Sent to the Royal Navy around 1953, it is engraved with “H.S.10 CD” (Clearance Divers), a military serial number 931134, and the distinctive military crow’s foot marking. Only approximately 300 such watches were issued to the Navy, making surviving examples exceedingly rare. The watch remained with its original owner—a naval officer and ex-military serviceman—stored in a suitcase for nearly 40 years before being rediscovered by the current owner.