Look what I got! Rolex Explorer Ref 6098

[RLXSTR]

Originally Posted by Subfiend

One of the interesting things about this story is where marketing deviates from history. I have many of the original Rolex advertisements regarding the conquest of Mt. Everest and it is interesting to see how Sir Edmund Hillary is NOT prominently featured in most of the original Rolex publicity, nor is Tenzing Norgay. Instead, Sir John Hunt, the leader of the British Expedition, is most prominently featured.

Ironically, Rolex had been trying for decades to put one of its watches on the summit of Mt. Everest. This was at a time when the conquest of Everest would be the greatest achievement in exploration achievable on this planet. The depths of the sea were largely untouchable, and space travel was unthinkable in this era. Yet, it was almost a fluke that Tenzing Norgay was wearing a Rolex watch on summit day, and it certainly was not anticipated by Rolex.

Rolex had a problem on its hands when Smiths ran an ad congratulating Sir Edmund Hillary for wearing one of its watches to the summit on the same day that Rolex ran a similar ad. The world had just learned of the triumph the day before, and nobody had time to check the facts. It wasn't like you could go to the expedition's blog or make a sat phone call from the summit like you can today. So, the climbers returned to the world and the marketing machine took over, and here we are almost 60 years later trying to figure out what really happened.

Very well said!

[RLXSTR]

Here are several new photos of the Rolex "prototype" Explorer Ref 6098 (1952) for all to enjoy and inspect. Thanks again for all the great info!

[RLXSTR]

I have sent off all the information to Christie's Auction House in New York for their Rolex Specialists to review the photos and information. I will keep everyone posted!

[Subfiend]

Here is the Rolex ad that appeared in the London newspapers just two days after the conquest of Mt. Everest. If you look closely, you can see the Smiths ad appears on the reverse.



Here is the Smiths ad, with the Rolex ad visible on the reverse:



Apparently, Rolex had prepared the ad in advance. This is the watch carried by Sir Edmund Hillary (photo credit: Jake's Rolex World Magazine), which is identical to the watch pictured in the Rolex ad except for the leather strap:



I provided a scan of this ad to Jake for publication on JRWM back in April. What is interesting is that this ad, which appeared in 1957, has absolutely no text about the conquest of Mt. Everest, yet it features both the watch supplied to the 1953 British Everest Expedition and Sir John Hunt's book in the artwork. In my view, this is a subtle tribute to the real watch worn on the expedition, not the black dial version that was currently being marketed as the Explorer and various other "Dress Explorer" models making their appearance. The truth was right in front of you if you knew what to look for.

[robsteve]

What year did Rolex start making cases with the Brevet and Swiss cross on the model number side and the modele depose on the serial number side of the case?

Robert

[T5AUS]

Great find Donald, looks like you hit the jackpot, good luck to you

[sleddog]

A very interesting thread guys.....This is what TRF is all about for me!!

[Lol-x]

Yeah, great information guys well done

[achova]

Interesting info in this thread. I really like the various Explorers and here is my 6298. This model followed the 6098 and shares the A.296 movement. It's quite similar and I understand the main difference is dial color.

I've been meaning to post over at VRF simce my hands are different than most and gilt track seems to be in unusually good condition, but others I've seen online with similar dials share the III.53 dated back.

[RLXSTR]

Very nice Explorer, Adam!

[exploring]

Hi just picking this up. I think the main difference between a 6098 and a 6298 is: the 6098 has the bezel machined as part of the main case; the 6298 has the more modern detachable/replaceable bezel (which is also slightly larger in diameter to sit flush with the edge of the case top)

[Gugnunc]

I know that this is slightly tangential to the main theme here, but I too am interested in the history of the Explorer, especially the model 5500. I note from a post above that there is a quote saying that this model was targetted at serving British officers, and this may well be true - but so often the quote is given to indicate that the 5500 Explorer was sold exclusively through the NAAFI (equivalent to U.S. PX) and I know as a demonstrable fact that this is untrue (still got my receipt from 1965). It may well be that some 5500 Explorers were sold to serving officers in the forces but it is equally true that they were also sold through high street A.D.s

[patekguy123]

I have my grandfather's 6098 and found out stuff about the watch on Thewatchadviser.com. It seems like a credible source

[seville]

6094 year : 1952

[seville]

6094 year : 1952

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by exploring

Hi just picking this up. I think the main difference between a 6098 and a 6298 is: the 6098 has the bezel machined as part of the main case; the 6298 has the more modern detachable/replaceable bezel (which is also slightly larger in diameter to sit flush with the edge of the case top)

This is true. The 6298 uses a tropic 21 the same as a 6610.

The other main difference is the 6098 originally is equipped with a Super Oyster Crown.

I believe you will find the word explorer used on the dial prior to 1952 on one of the calibre 59 equipped "Canadian" Oyster series...such as Raleigh, Dudley, Gordon....etc. I would have to double check with Rita but I'm fairly sure she posted one.

Here is a 6298 from 53.

[crowncollection]

Fantastic thread guys, I love these types of threads. To the op fantastic watch. I would write to Rolex geneve about this rare piece they may have records of where it was first sent and when.

[The_Walrus]

Very nice Donald

[Vincent65]

cool old watch!

[southtexas]

So does anyone know what happened with Christie's and OP's watch, given this thread is about 3 years old?


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[tonyfabro]

I would also like to know!

[indianmachine]

Originally Posted by robsteve

What year did Rolex start making cases with the Brevet and Swiss cross on the model number side and the modele depose on the serial number side of the case?

Robert

I’d be curious to know this as well. And also curious if it varied by reference or was consistent across Rolex?

[330ci]

How many times can this thread be brought back


https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/...lex-lot-248-50


Here’s the OPs watch

[214270Explorer]

This posting is exactly why we love the watch forum so much.

[matthewosieja]

Woah, what year is that??


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[BlueDefender]

Very cool!

[offrdmania]

Now all of the "Canadian" Explorers that have nothing to do with the modern 3,6,9 Explorers are going to start jumping in price because of a vague description at the auction house.