Rolex Explorer 6610

The Rolex Explorer ref. 6610 was produced from 1955 to 1959 and is regarded as the direct successor to the ref. 6350, refining the foundational design of the Explorer line. It retained the classic 36 mm stainless steel Oyster case with a domed acrylic crystal and smooth bezel, but introduced a slimmer profile thanks to the new Rolex Caliber 1030 automatic movement. This movement was more compact than its predecessor and allowed the case to sit more comfortably on the wrist while still offering excellent reliability and a 42-hour power reserve. The case measured approximately 12 mm in thickness, with a lug-to-lug distance of 44 mm and a 20 mm lug width. The dial kept the iconic 3-6-9 layout with gilt printing and radium lume, though most examples featured a flatter black finish compared to the honeycomb texture of the 6350. The ‘Explorer’ name was prominently printed on the dial, and early versions often included the depth rating ’50m = 165ft’ beneath it. Despite being produced for only a few years, the 6610 is considered a highly important reference in Explorer history, bridging the experimental early era and the long-lived 1016. Its cleaner case profile, historical importance, and rarity contribute to its desirability among collectors.