Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6018

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 6018 is a rare vintage model from the late 1940s, positioned at the crossroads of Rolex’s evolving automatic technology and its foundational waterproof Oyster case design. This reference is housed in a 34mm stainless steel case, occasionally produced in gold, with a domed acrylic crystal and screw-down caseback and crown for water resistance. It is powered by the Rolex Caliber 645, a bi-directional self-winding movement that provides approximately 42 hours of power reserve and was central to Rolex’s advancement in reliable automatic wristwatches. The dials were minimalistic and balanced, typically silver or cream-colored, with applied markers or numerals, dauphine or pencil-style hands, and radium lume for legibility. The watch measures approximately 42mm lug-to-lug and features a 19mm lug width, giving it a classic and wearable vintage profile. Produced in relatively low numbers, the ref. 6018 is notable for its clean aesthetics and mechanical integrity, making it a desirable acquisition for collectors focused on early Rolex automatic watches. Its understated appearance and historical context place it among the foundational references in the post-war Oyster Perpetual lineup.