Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6552

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 6552 is a vintage model produced in the mid-1950s, known for its transitional role in Rolex’s development of the automatic Oyster case platform. This reference features a 34mm stainless steel case, most often accompanied by a smooth or occasionally fluted bezel, offering both understated elegance and utility. It is powered by the Rolex Caliber 1030, a groundbreaking automatic movement introduced by Rolex that featured bi-directional winding and a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The dial options were modest and typically included silver or champagne tones with applied hour markers and dauphine hands under a domed acrylic crystal. As part of the Oyster line, it included a screw-down crown and caseback for enhanced water resistance. With a lug-to-lug length of about 42mm and a lug width of 19mm, the 6552 maintained the well-balanced proportions characteristic of mid-century Rolex design. Often sold with a riveted Oyster bracelet or leather strap, the 6552 is now appreciated by collectors for its clean vintage look and the significance of its movement. While not as widely recognized as other references from the era, it represents a solid and historically meaningful choice for enthusiasts of early Rolex automatic models.