1959 Rolex Datejust Ref. 6605 in Steel – Extraordinary “Tropical” Dial

We are pleased to present this superb steel Rolex Datejust reference 6605, produced in 1959. The 6605 is a reference produced for only three years (1956-1959), the link between the first Datejust models and the 160x generation, recognisable by its notched steel bezel.
What sets this example apart is its exceptional dial: originally black lacquered, it has developed a “tropical” patina of rare complexity – shades of brown tobacco, Cordovan leather and golden amber, punctuated by a network of fine cracks that appears under certain light. It is a chameleon dial, impossible to capture fully in photographs – in sunlight, the effect is truly striking.
The baton hour markers and dauphine hands retain all their original luminous material (radium base). The 36 mm case is in very fine condition, and the steel Rolex Jubilee Made in U.S.A. bracelet complements the whole perfectly.
A 6605 intended for the most discerning collectors!

Introduced in 1956 to replace ref. 6305, the reference 6605 is one of the very first Datejust models in the 36 mm format as we know it today. Produced for only three years, from 1956 to 1959, it forms the link between the first Datejust models with “semi-bubble back” casebacks inherited from the Ovettone and the 160x generation that would dominate the following decades. The 6605 introduced caliber 1065, an automatic chronometer movement fitted with the “butterfly” rotor, thinner and more efficient than its predecessors, and standardised the Cyclops lens over the date window at 3 o’clock – two features that would become hallmarks of the Datejust’s identity for decades to come.

One of the distinctive features of the steel 6605 is its bezel with guilloché decoration, known as “engine-turned” – a fluted, notched pattern executed entirely in steel that gives it a distinct personality, more understated and sportier than the white gold fluted bezel. This uncommon bezel is immediately recognisable and is one of this reference’s charms for collectors.

The example we are offering stands out for an absolutely remarkable dial. Originally black lacquered, it has developed over the decades a so-called “tropical” patina of rare intensity and complexity. The surface displays shades of brown tobacco, Cordovan leather and golden amber, while a network of fine cracks – like a spider’s web – appears under certain light, adding fascinating depth and texture. It is a chameleon dial: every change of angle, every variation in light reveals new nuances, from warm golden brown to iridescent slate grey. Photographs, however carefully taken, can capture only a fraction of this spectacle – in sunlight, the effect is truly striking.

The applied baton hour markers and dauphine hands retain absolutely all their original luminous material (radium base). The gilt inscriptions are perfectly legible and stand out against the brown background of the dial. The “SWISS” inscription at 6 o’clock is fully consistent with the production year, 1959, and confirms the presence of radium. The 36 mm steel Oyster case is in very fine overall condition. The notched bezel retains its original relief. The steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, made in the United States, complements the whole perfectly. The automatic movement has undergone a complete service by an experienced watchmaker and runs perfectly.

While the reference 6605 is already a reference for enthusiasts, this example, in excellent overall condition and with its unique patina, is intended for the most discerning collectors.

This Rolex Datejust reference 6605 is presented in excellent overall condition.
The dial is, of course, the distinctive feature of this example. We are fascinated by its tropical brown patina. The original lacquer is entirely crazed. The applied baton hour markers and dauphine hands retain all their original luminous material (radium base). The gilt inscriptions are perfectly legible and stand out against the brown background of the dial. The “SWISS” inscription at 6 o’clock is fully consistent with the production year, 1959, and confirms the presence of radium.
The 36 mm steel Oyster case is in very fine overall condition. The notched steel bezel retains its original relief.
The steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, made in the United States, is in fine condition, although it shows, as is common on “Made in U.S.A.” bracelets, a certain degree of stretch between the links, without this hindering the wearing of the watch.
The self-winding mechanical movement, Rolex caliber 1065, has undergone a complete service by a watchmaker specialising in vintage movements and runs well.
While the reference 6605 is already a reference for enthusiasts, this example, in excellent overall condition and with its unique patina, is intended for the most discerning collectors.

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