Rolex Explorer 6098

The Rolex Explorer ref. 6098 was produced from 1951 to 1956 and is historically significant for its association with the early Everest expeditions. Although not officially branded as an Explorer during its production, the 6098 was one of the watches worn during Rolex’s testing on Himalayan expeditions, including the 1953 ascent of Everest. It featured a large-for-its-time 36 mm stainless steel Oyster case, a domed acrylic crystal, and a smooth polished bezel. Powering the watch was the Rolex Caliber A296, an early automatic movement known for its bubbleback heritage and reliable timekeeping. The case was approximately 13 mm thick, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 44 mm and a 20 mm lug width. Dial designs included both honeycomb and smooth finishes with a variety of numeral arrangements, some featuring luminous markers and Mercedes hands. These early models are prized for their role in the genesis of the Explorer line and are seen as direct predecessors to the ref. 6150 and ref. 6350, which more clearly defined the Explorer aesthetic. Collectors highly value the 6098 for its exploratory heritage and place in Rolex’s evolution as a manufacturer of rugged, purpose-built tool watches.