Rolex Explorer 6350

The Rolex Explorer ref. 6350 was produced from 1953 to 1955 and is widely recognized as the first Rolex to be officially branded ‘Explorer’ on the dial. This model solidified the Explorer identity in the wake of the successful Everest ascent and featured a 36 mm stainless steel Oyster case with a smooth bezel and domed acrylic crystal. It was powered by the Rolex Caliber A296 automatic movement, a robust engine derived from Rolex’s early self-winding developments. The case was approximately 13 mm thick, with a lug-to-lug distance of 44 mm and a lug width of 20 mm. The defining feature of the 6350 was its honeycomb-textured gilt dial with luminous 3-6-9 Arabic numerals, Mercedes hands, and the ‘Explorer’ name printed below the Rolex logo. Radium lume was used, and early examples featured a railroad-style minute track, adding to the vintage appeal. This reference was issued to mountaineers and other professionals, making it one of the earliest purpose-built tool watches. Its historical relevance, short production run, and foundational status in the Explorer lineup make the 6350 one of the most collectible and important early Rolex sport watches.