182 Rolex A tasteful and elegant, Day Date, automatic wristwatch in yellow gold, with smooth bezel and bracelet, reference 6612B.

Estimate: € 12.000 –⁠ 24.000

The Rolex Day-Date reference 6612, introduced in 1957 was the successor to the reference 6511. This particular reference stands out due to its smooth bezel, distinguishing it from its counterparts, the 6611 with a fluted bezel and the 6613 adorned with diamonds, introduced in the same moment. A major leap in the 6612 was its use of the Microstella-regulated balance wheel, allowing it to earn the “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” title—the first Rolex to do so. Its predecessor bore only the simpler “Officially Certified Chronometer” designation. Interestingly, some examples of this reference feature the suffix "B" following the reference and caliber number, indicating a movement plate that is marginally higher by 0.1 mm, exactly like the present watch. This example is a particularly fine specimen of the reference 6612B, crafted in luxurious 18k yellow gold and complemented by an Oyster riveted bracelet in the same precious metal. The watch is further enhanced by its silvered dial. Preserved in remarkable condition, with sharp case lines and a clear hallmark beneath the lug, this reference 6612B stands as a testament to Rolex's enduring legacy of combining precision engineering with refined aesthetics. An exceptional find for any collector seeking an early example of the iconic Day-Date, this watch encapsulates the pioneering spirit of Rolex in the late 1950s.