A rare and highly sought-after Rolex ‘Red - Writing’ Oyster Perpetual Chronometer Bubbleback, reference 6106, accompanied by its original presentation box. The Rolex 6106 with red writing often referred to by collectors simply as a Red-Writing 6106 is a rare vintage variant of the 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6106 that features part of its dial text in red rather than the usual black or silver. This red text is the word “Officially” printed in red rather than the standard black/white layout. This collectible timepiece has been serviced by a master horologist / Rolex-specialist watchmaker and is running well. Presented in good vintage condition throughout, keeping good time a wonderful example ready to wear, cherish, and enjoy. 

These watches are from the early 1950s, when Rolex was producing Oyster Perpetual watches with “Bubbleback” cases and early automatic calibers. 

Only a few dial variants from this era were produced with red text, making them much rarer than standard dials. Red text examples of the 6106 are significantly less common than standard dials. 

Many vintage Rolex enthusiasts prize any unusual or uncommon original dial treatment. 

Housed in a 34mm stainless-steel Oyster Bubbleback case, the watch retains its original Super Oyster crown, a short-production feature made by Rolex for only approximately two years, now considered highly collectible. It is also fitted with its original Rolex Oyster riveted expandable stretch bracelet, accommodating up to a 7.8-inch wrist and adjustable within the clasp or by removing links.

The ‘Bubble Back’ was the first completely watertight (when new) automatic watch developed by Rolex. It was named the ‘Oyster Perpetual’. The rounded case back was made to house the self-winding movement rather than the original Oyster case. This gave the name the’Bubble Back’. Rolex only produced the BubbleBack range in limited numbers from 1933 – to the early 60’s.

FACT: Bubblebacks, along with the rectangular Prince models, are the OGs of Rolex collecting. Back in the 1980s and 1990s a well-preserved Bubbleback would sell for far more than a steel Daytona, a situation almost unimaginable today. Collectors prized genuine rarity above contemporary sizing, allowing 32mm and 34mm watches to make serious money at reputable auction houses. The collapse in value of these watches in the 2000s means that you can start to build a collection of these rarities for a lot less money than you might think. – Prices are now on the rise after decades in the doldrums. The ‘Bubbleback’ represents one of the most significant leaps forward in the history of sport watches. The innovative case construction featured a screw-down crown and caseback, allowing for unprecedented water-tightness of the case. Alongside the now-ubiquitous Oyster Perpetual indication, the self-winding movement inside allowed the wearer to continuously tell time without having to regularly wind the watch.

The ref. 6106 dates to 1952 of the Bubble-back era but harnesses what makes these watches so special and collectible. The details here are reminiscent of the configuration Rolex utilized in subsequent years for the early "Explorer" models. The ‘dauphine’ hands really top off the look along with the raised Rolex coronet at ‘12’ providing a beautiful contrasting colour that is classy and fits the design so well. This adds to the overall look of the watch and makes the dial unique.

Further detailed information on these collectible early automatic wristwatches can be found in Dowling & Hess, Rolex, The Best of Time, Schiffer Publishing, 2006, pp. 77-107.

The Original Dial: Signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual Officially Certified Chronometer Swiss. The light silvered dial has aged gracefully with creamy patina. Featuring steel arrow markers with plots sitting behind and lume filled triangular markers to the quarters The periphery of the dial features an outer chapter ring with minute indices. Elegant and complete steel lume filled ‘Dauphine’ minute and hour hands contrast well with the rest of the dial. Contrasting steel blue lollipop centre seconds sweep hand. The dial has some marks commensurate with age and wear. Please observe photographs carefully.

The Original Movement: Signed Rolex Perpetual Swiss Made Patented, Vis Tirette Swiss Trigger Screw Patented Self Winding 2 Rubies numbered F392**. In any field, be it vintage wristwatches, period motorcars or antique fishing reels, there are definite classics that are universally acknowledged to be key units that are of the utmost historical significance. The movement in this watch, Rolex’s self winding movement, fits into this revered category perfectly, and is, without doubt, one of the most important mechanism that the company has ever created. In good condition keeping accurate time, was serviced by a Rolex specialist watchmaker.

The Original Case: Very clean with polished finish. Sharp lugs in great condition. Case is 34mm without the crown, 36mm with the crown, and 19mm between the lugs. Serial numbered 802**** between lugs at ‘6’ and numbered 6106 between the lugs at ‘12’. Chamfered smooth bezel. Case has surface scratches associated with base metals commensurate with everyday wear and age. Overall solid condition given the age.

The Original Case Back Cover Inner: Signed in the traditional ornate style, Rolex Geneva Swiss Patented Stainless Steel 6106. Period service markers present. In good condition.

The Original Case Back Cover Outer: Bubbleback milled edge cover has surface scratches and pitting associated with base metals commensurate with age and wear. Cover fits flush and screws without any issues.

Original Crown/Winder: Push and pull crown signed Rolex Super Oyster with the Brevet logo in relief. In good working order.

The Original Crystal: Domed Plexiglass is in good condition for age. Some small scratches commensurate with age, not noticeable to the naked eye only under magnification.

The Original Rolex Expandable Stretch Oyster Bracelet: Signed Rolex Swiss made date stamped in retrospect 3.51 (third quarter 1951), correct end links stamped 61. Has surface scratches and stretch to links associated with stainless steel commensurate with age and wear. Bracelet accommodates up to a 7.8-inch wrist and adjustable to a smaller size within the clasp or by removing links.

Original Presentation Box Inner: In poor to average condition with some signs of repairs.

*Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*

Please note this Rolex is over 73 years. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide. Buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.

Reference : 6106

Movement : Self winding automatic

Specific Age : 1952

Case Size : 34mm

Case Thickness : 12mm

Lugs : 19mm

Strap Band: Oyster Riveted Rolex Expandable

Condition : Pre-Owned Vintage

Papers : No

Box: Yes

Serviced: Yes