Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6564 Gold
Dress Watch / Tool Watch Hybrid · Rolex (Rolex SA); High-end luxury tier with a reputation for precision and durability.
Period: Mid-Century (1950s) Tool Watch Era; identified by the dauphine hands and 'officially certified chronometer' text prior to the standard 'superlative' nomenclature.
Type
Dress Watch / Tool Watch Hybrid
Brand
Rolex (Rolex SA); High-end luxury tier with a reputation for precision and durability.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding Caliber 1030; frequency 18,000 bph, 25 jewels, approximately 42-hour power reserve.
Dimensions
34mm diameter, 12mm thickness, 42mm lug-to-lug, 19mm lug width.
Description
This vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual represents the pure essence of the brand's mid-century design. Featuring the classic 34mm Oyster case in gold, it offers a sophisticated yet robust presence. The black dial paired with gold indices creates a sharp, high-contrast look that remains timeless. As an early automatic chronometer, it was a cornerstone of Rolex’s reputation for reliable self-winding movements.
Key Features
Ref. 6564 smooth bezel, Caliber 1030 movement, 'OCC' dial text (pre-Superlative), and iconic dauphine hands.
Dial Description
Matte black dial (potentially refinished or original gilt style), applied yellow gold faceted baton indices, dauphine-style hands, and center seconds.
Case Material
18k Yellow Gold or 14k Yellow Gold; featuring a polished finish with significant wear.
Crystal Type
Domed Acrylic/Hessalite crystal with visible surface scratches and clouding near the edges.
Bezel Details
Fixed, smooth polished gold bezel with rounded profile.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down gold Twinlock crown with Rolex 'coronet' logo; no crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
None shown; watch head only. Historically paired with a gold Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, or a leather strap.
Caseback Details
Solid gold screw-down Oyster caseback with fluted edges for a Rolex case opening tool.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding Caliber 1030; frequency 18,000 bph, 25 jewels, approximately 42-hour power reserve.
Water Resistance
Originally rated for 50m (5 ATM); currently considered not water-resistant due to age and vintage seal degradation.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made in Geneva; in-house Rolex movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1959 based on the reference series and 'Officially Certified Chronometer' dial text.
Cultural Significance
The Oyster Perpetual was the foundation for all modern Rolex watches, proving that a watch could be both water-resistant and self-winding for daily use.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition; significant signs of wear on the gold case, surface scratches on the acrylic crystal, and potential dial oxidation or aged patina. Lume on hands appears aged. Overall 'Honest' vintage condition.
Value Estimate
$4,500 - $7,500 USD depending on gold purity (14k vs 18k) and movement health. Box and papers would add significant premium.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended full movement service every 5-7 years. Avoid water exposure as vintage gaskets likely require replacement. Polish crystal with Polywatch.
Similar Watches
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1002 (later version with 'Superlative' text), Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500, or Omega Seamaster (vintage gold models).
Interesting Facts
The Caliber 1030 found in this watch was Rolex's first complete in-house manufactured automatic movement and featured a bi-directional winding rotor.