1957 Rolex 6610 Collector Set with Military Background

Here is something you don’t see every day…..or ever to be honest!

The Rolex 6610 Explorer is one of Rolex’s rarest standard vintage production models. Finding them is not easy. Finding one with the amount of provenance this one has is almost unheard of – we certainly have not had another like it in 20 years of collecting and dealing vintage Rolex sports watches.

This 168k serial Rolex 6610 Explorer dates to 1957 and was purchased by Corporal Dobbins while stationed at RAF Khormaksar, Aden, Yemen during the troubles of the 1950’s. The 6610 stickered box even has “CPL Dobbins” and “Bob the Dob” still visible written on the top in pen over 60 years ago.

Incredibly it comes with everything that Corporal Dobbins received with the watch when new on the 22nd of June 1957.

This one off collector set includes:-

– Original numbered and stamped Rolex Chronometer Certificate!

– Original dealer stamped Rolex Guarantee from the Aden Watch Company dated 22/6/57!

– Original purchase receipt from Aden Watch Company dated 22/6/57!

– Original 6610 stickered outer box!

– Original inner green box with slash card!

– Original Explorer card insert!

– Original service receipts showing Cpl Dobbins at RAF Khormaksar, Aden!

The watch itself is in lovely vintage condition with a nice case and bezel free from major dings or scratches. The dial has a little patina typical of the radium dials of the 1950’s with orange lume to the 3/6/9 dial. The movement is clean and serviced and the caseback is correctly stamped inside with 6610 and ii.56. The serial number and model numbers are a little worn between the lugs but can be read with a loupe and the jubilee is a later bracelet and has typical stretch (the watch can also come on a later correct 78360 for wearing which is much more sturdy and safe).

Collector sets like this simply don’t exist anymore and finding another will be nigh on impossible! If it could talk I’m sure it would be able to tell some very interesting stories!!

A real piece to be treasured in any vintage Rolex collection but that could also still be worn and enjoyed.