Rolex Explorer 6298
Explorer -> 6298
The 6298 is a steel Oyster Perpetual in the early Explorer cluster. The Field Manual lists 1953, a 36mm case, and caliber 1030 or A296 variants. Christie’s records checked for this audit identify A296 examples from 1952–1953, with both Precision and Explorer-style dial wording. The 6298 belongs with the closely related 6098, 6150 and 6350.
Core facts
| detail | value |
|---|---|
| reference | 6298 |
| family | Explorer (pre-Explorer cluster) |
| production | Field Manual: 1953; auction records checked: 1952–1953 |
| case | 36mm stainless-steel Oyster case in the Field Manual; individual Christie’s records give 34–36mm |
| crystal | plastic/acrylic in the Christie’s records checked |
| bezel and crown | smooth bezel; screw-down back and crown, Twinlock noted on one Christie’s record |
| movement | Field Manual lists caliber 1030 and A296; auction records checked identify A296 |
| dial text | Documented wording includes "Perpetual, Precision," "Perpetual Chronometer" and, on some examples, "Explorer" |
Where it sits in the line
The 6298 sits in the 36mm early-1950s Oyster cluster with the 6098, 6150 and 6350. The Field Manual places the 6150-to-6298/6350 transition in 1953, while Christie’s describes the 6298 as the first reference with Explorer-type quarter Arabic numerals. These sources support a transitional family relationship; they do not show that every 6298 carried the Explorer name.
The Field Manual lists both 1030 and A296 for the reference. The auction records checked here identify A296, including Christie’s examples from 1952 and 1953. The 6350 provides the chronometer-certified comparison within the same cluster, but its specification should not be applied to every 6298.
Production outline
The Field Manual lists the reference in 1953. Public auction records broaden the dated examples: Christie’s records case 912917 as manufactured in 1952, while cases 928359, 928419, 929708 and 930159 are catalogued circa 1953. Christie’s describes the reference as in production between 1953 and 1955, but that range is a catalogue statement rather than a published Rolex production record. No total is available.
Movement notes
The Field Manual lists caliber 1030 and A296. The Christie’s 6298 records located for this audit identify A296: one gives a 1952 case with an Explorer dial, and another gives a 1953 case with a matte silvered dial. Christie’s also lists A296 with 18 jewels in one 1952 catalogue entry. No checked auction record establishes a 1030 movement in a 6298, so that attribution remains literature-only here.
Dial map
The dial record is broader than the two Field Manual text entries. Christie’s describes a 1952 Explorer, Self-Winding example with a white dial, luminous dagger numerals and case no. 912917; another 1953 lot has a matte silvered dial and A296. Other catalogue records describe “Perpetual, Precision,” “Perpetual Chronometer” and Explorer wording. These are documented examples, not a complete dial taxonomy.
Case, bezel, crystal, and crown
The 6298 uses the large early-1950s Oyster case associated with the pre-Explorer cluster. The Field Manual gives 36mm; Christie’s records range from 34mm to 36mm, reflecting individual catalogue measurements. The checked Christie’s descriptions specify a three-part steel case, screw-down caseback, plastic crystal and screw-down crown; one record calls the crown Twinlock. These are lot-level descriptions, not a guarantee that every 6298 shares every service component.
Bracelet and strap
The auction records show both leather straps and Rolex steel buckles. Bracelet or strap fitment is therefore example-specific. A buckle or later strap dates that component, not the watch head, and the checked sources do not establish one factory bracelet reference for the 6298.
Related references
- 6098, 6150 and 6350 (the early Explorer cluster)
- Explorer family index
Auction record
| source | case / date | movement | dial or provenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christie’s lot 5130488 | 912917, manufactured 1952 | A296 | Explorer, Self-Winding; white dial |
| Christie’s lot 5209535 | 928419, manufactured 1953 | A296 | Precision Explorer; matte silvered dial |
| Christie’s lot 5841626 | 930159, circa 1953 | automatic (catalogue page) | Precision; white dial |
| Christie’s lot 5992879 | 928359, circa 1953 | A296 | Precision; matte silvered dial |
| Christie’s lot 6394636 | 929708, manufactured 1953 | automatic (catalogue page) | expedition-worn Jürg Marmet watch |
The catalogue pages consulted do not expose a result for every listed lot. These records are used here for configuration and dating evidence, not as a price guide.
Sources
- The Vintage Rolex Field Manual — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
- Christie’s, ref. 6298, case 912917, manufactured 1952
- Christie’s, Precision Explorer ref. 6298, case 928419, manufactured 1953
- Christie’s, Precision ref. 6298, case 930159, circa 1953
- Christie’s, Precision ref. 6298, case 928359, circa 1953
- Christie’s, expedition-worn ref. 6298, case 929708, manufactured 1953
- WatchTime, “The story of the world’s most popular dive watch,” Explorer evolution section
- Jon Bues, "A Comprehensive Collector's Guide To The Rolex Explorer I", Hodinkee, 2022
- Frank Geelen, "In-Depth: The History of the Rolex Explorer", Monochrome