Important Watches

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 2131. Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat, Reference 6556 | A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet and dead beat seconds, Circa 1956.

Rolex

Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat, Reference 6556 | A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet and dead beat seconds, Circa 1956

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

120,000 - 250,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Rolex

Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat, Reference 6556

A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet and dead beat seconds, Circa 1956

Dial: silvered

Calibre: cal. 1040 automatic, 26 jewels

Case: stainless steel, screw down case back

Case number: 139’035

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Size: 35 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 185 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: none

A true oddball within its family, the Tru-Beat is one of the rare Rolex models which features a complication usually reserved for niche or independent watchmaking nowadays: the dead beat seconds complication. However, when it was introduced in the mid-century, this complication had an extremely practical use, just like all Rolexes back then.

The Tru-Beat was designed for doctors to be able to attain the best and most accurate reading when taking a patient’s pulse, something which required timing down to the nearest second. It is easy to see why this model, which has been known as one of the most “un-Rolex” Rolexes, has become a cult classic amongst collectors. The bright red dead beat seconds hand coupled with crosshair dial and alpha hands oozes vintage class, perfect for the collector who wishes to own something that few are likely to possess.

勞力士 Oyster Perpetual Tru-Beat 型號6556

精鋼鏈帶腕錶，備跳秒，約1956年製

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."