A solid fourteen carat gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual with Bombé lugs and waffle dial. This Rolex reference 6092, named after the French word "bombé" meaning rounded or convex, features accentuated lugs that were later nicknamed "Bombay" in the American market. Watches like this, made in fourteen carat, were made exclusively for the American market as well. These watches were made with a variety of dials, but these early waffle dial versions are the most sought after. This one being no exception. Not only has the overall colour aged into a beautiful creamy cafe latte colour now, but the "Officially" in the Officially Certified is printed in red text here. A very rare version.
The dial is stamped "Swiss" at the foot of the dial. Along with the dauphine hands, with a small central area running through the center, there is Radium luminous material applied to the hour markers along the minute track. This has aged well and is present in all the relevant hour markers. It was not originally applied to the three, six and nine o'clock markers.
Watches in this condition are exceptionally hard to find. This yellow gold example boasts a smooth bezel and arrowhead indexes, and while its 33mm case size may seem small, the long, curved lugs give it a substantial presence on the wrist. With an overall well-preserved patina, this could be the perfect dress watch, or a watch worn very day.
The case is in superb condition. It is very likely unpolished. Fortunately many of these bombé cases stay away form the dreaded polishing wheel due to the shape of the lugs. This early watch also has its original "Super Oyster" crown, which is rare in itself in gold. Both sets of engraved serial and model numbers are present between the lugs.
The watch is powered by the iconic and early Rolex 645 caliber. This is a self-winding, sweep second, shock-resistant movement that was used in the first Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches in the 1950's. They were Chronometer grade, hence the dial printing. The case back inside is also an interesting example. As is soemtimes the case wth these early watches it has two other refernce numbers crossed out. Firstly 6085, then 6090, with 6092 finally added, matching the engraving between the lugs. It highlights how parts were interchanged during this early time in Rolex's history.
Overall, this watch represents a wonderful example of both early Rolex history, but also Rolex Oyster Perpetual history. The watch is presented un superb condition, especially given its now over seventy years of age. The red printing on the dial is especially rare and adds another level of desirability to an already desirable watch!
