Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6599

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 6599 is a rare and early automatic ladies’ watch introduced in the mid-1950s. Crafted with a 26mm stainless steel case, it reflects Rolex’s initial push to incorporate self-winding movements into smaller wristwatches for women. The 6599 is equipped with the Rolex Caliber 1130, an automatic movement known for its robustness and compact engineering, offering a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The dial aesthetics were consistent with the mid-century Rolex look, typically featuring silver or white tones with applied baton hour markers and dauphine or pencil-style hands, all beneath an acrylic crystal. Its Oyster case construction included a screw-down crown and caseback, providing water resistance that aligned with Rolex’s early technical standards. It measured about 33mm lug-to-lug and 13mm in lug width, maintaining sleek and wearable proportions ideal for smaller wrists. Often paired with an Oyster bracelet or leather strap, the 6599 has since become a lesser-known collectible for enthusiasts of early Rolex automatic ladies’ watches. Its understated design and historical importance in the development of automatic movements in smaller cases make it a meaningful addition to vintage Rolex collections.