Rolex Oyster Perpetual, 6567, Yellow Gold

The Rolex Oyster was first introduced in 1926, beginning its life as the first waterproof and dust-proof wristwatch designed specifically for professional use. The watch famously crossed the English Channel in 1927, around the neck of English swimmer Mercedes Gleitze, surviving the 10-hour long swim undamaged. In 1931, Rolex patented the world's first self-winding mechanism with a perpetual rotor, today at the heart of every modern automatic watch. The evolution of the Rolex Oyster inspired some of the most historically important wristwatches, surviving the harshest of conditions.

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual dates back to the 1950s, a time when Rolex was producing some of its most recognisable watches – the GMT Master, the Day Date, and the Submariner. However, alongside these, we see that Rolex also made a significant number of classic dress watches, of which this piece is an excellent example.

This particular Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6567 is a piece that possesses a classic look that has come to be synonymous with vintage Rolex dress watches – the fluted bezel, modest size, and combination of brushed and polished bracelet links. If we look back upon the period, we see a range of dial combinations, showing Rolex’s willingness to experiment, but also marking a time when their aesthetic hadn’t quite fully been developed yet.

This is a time-only piece that is chronometer-certified, accompanied by its original certificate, which dates to 1958. The textured white dial on this example has developed a warm patina over time, complementing the hue of the yellow gold case and bracelet, and imbuing the watch with a distinct vintage charm. The lume plots above the hour markers all remain intact, evenly aged to a pumpkin hue matching the lumed dauphine hour and minute hands.

If we turn to the case, it displays many of the characteristics which make vintage Rolex so attractive, from the slim Oyster case to the nostalgic rivet bracelet. The riveted gold bracelet shows minimal stretch, with end links dated to 1957 and a charismatic “big logo” Rolex buckle. This style of bracelet, understood to have been exclusively produced from the late ‘50s, are particularly sought after by collectors, on account of the dramatic font found on the buckle.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6567 will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual is in very good condition overall. Superficial marks can be found on the case and bracelet, consistent with minimal wear and age of the watch. The textured white dial has begun to show signs of age developing a warm off-white colour. The lume plots above the hour markers all remain intact, evenly aged to a pumpkin hue matching the lumed dauphine hour and minute hands. The hallmarks on the caseback are crisp and well defined, the riveted gold bracelet shows minimal stretch, end links dated to 1957 with a “big logo” Rolex buckle.

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.