Here we have a good example of a 1973 Rolex Oyster Date Precision, reference 6694, with a dark grey sunburst dial. It has the classic 34mm Oyster case in Stainless Steel, with the polished bezel, screw down crown and coin edge screw back. It is on its original 1972 Steel folded link bracelet reference 7835-19 with 357 end links. It is full length and will fit any wrist size. The dial is a beautiful dark grey tone, with shades of blue. It has the silver baton hour markers with the applied Cornet at 12. The Pencil hands are polished steel with the luminous in-fill. The silver sat window sits at 3, with the black Arabic signing. Inside is the manual wind Rolex calibre 1225 which is keeping very accurate time.
The Rolex Oyster Date Precision 6694 is a clean and classic watch which was always a reliable entry level piece in Rolex’s catalogue. First introduced in the early 1960s, the watch was very popular and continued in Rolex’s catalogue until 1989.
We view this as an understated classic of the Rolex line. With its 34mm case, it is slightly smaller than most Oyster Perpetual models and the famous Datejust. However, this is one of the reasons that this model has become increasingly popular. It offers a strong presence with the Oyster case lug-to-lug length and crown width, whilst also being comfortable on the wrist.
It is also an outlier for Rolex in the period, having a manual wind movement. We love a manual wind movement and so do many others. It offers a satisfying experience, actively winding the watch every time, you put it on.
Due to the lack of the chronometer grade movement and automatic function, The dial is very clean, simply signed ‘Oysterdate’ and ‘Precision’. The more unusual dial colours available give this understated reference a pop of intrigue without overstepping the mark.
This example:
The dial is a dark grey tone with the satin sunburst finish, which radiates in the light. In some lights it gives of hints of blue, making this a very intriguing dial. It has the applied steel baton hour markers which have a frosted finish to the top, with bevelled edges having the polished finish. To the base it has the original Tritium luminous plots which have aged to a pumpkin tone. The Rolex cornet is applied at 12 O’clock, with the date window neatly balanced at 3 O’clock. It has the satin silver tone with the black Arabic numerals. Below 12 the dial is neatly signed ‘Rolex Oysterdate’ with the ‘Precision’ signing above 6 O’clock. To the base the dial is signed ‘T Swiss T’.
The case is compact, measuring 34.4mm in diameter. This is on the smaller side of Rolex’s range. It is a comfortable wear, whilst still offering presence. This is thanks to 37.2mm width with crown, the 42mm lug to lug length and 19mm lug width.
It is a classic Stainless-Steel oyster case with the brushed finish to the top of the case and the polished sides. It has the dished polished bezel which catches the light nicely. In-between the lugs it is signed with the reference 6694 with the serial number is 3,186,XXX.
The crown is the Oyster crown which screws down and is marked with the Rolex Cornet. The Oyster screw down case back has the coin edge. Inside it is signed with the reference 6694 C.R.S. It has multiple service etchings to the inside of the case.
The watch comes on its original folded link Steel Oyster bracelet, reference 7835-19 with 357 end links. It has the date code 4-72 dating it to the end of 1972. It is full length with 13 links, meaning it will fit any wrist size. It has the eye-catching brushed finish, having been lightly refinished. The clasp has the brushed finish and clear Rolex cornet.
The movement is a manual wind Rolex calibre 1225. It has a jewel count of 17, with a non-quickset date function. It has a semi hi-beat frequency of 21,600 BPH and a 58-hour power reserve. It is a robust and reliable movement. It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within +7 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 270 degrees and a beat error of 0.2m/s.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dark grey sunburst dial is original. It is in good overall condition with the clear white signing. There is a loss of paint next to the 11 O’clock marker and a slight mark below the Oysterdate signing. The applied hour markers and cornet are good, without wear or corrosion. The date window is good and original with the silver satin finish and black arabic signing.
Hands:
The hands are original of baton design in a silver tone. They are in good condition with little signs of ageing. The central second hand is original and good. The luminous in-fill has been replaced with a more modern lume.
Glass:
The acrylic crystal is a replacement which is in good condition, with some light surface scratches.
Crown:
The Steel Rolex crown is original and in good condition, functioning as it should, screwing down well. The thread is good.
Case:
The case is formed of Stainless Steel and is in good condition, having been refinished. The brushed finish on the top is good, with polished finish to the sides. The lugs are well shaped with little signs of wear to the drilled lugs. The bezel is good with the bright polished finish.
Caseback:
The case back is stainless steel and is in good condition with the polished finish. It has been refinished in the past and has some light marks and nicks. The coin edge is very good and sharp with no signs of poor opening attempts.
Bracelet:
The watch comes on its original folded link steel bracelet, reference 7835-19 with 357 end links. It is full length with 13 links. It is in good condition, having been lightly refinished. It will fit up to an 8.5” wrist circumference. The clasp is good with brushed finish and clear Cornet. It has scratching associated with age.
Movement:
The movement is a Rolex calibre 1225. It is a hand winding movement with a jewel count of 17. It has a non-quickset date function. It has a semi hi-beat frequency of 21,600 BPH and a 58-hour power reserve. It has KIF-Ultraflex shock protection and Kif-Duofix escape wheel capping.
The movement has been recently serviced. Its keeping time to within +7 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 270 degrees and a beat error of 0.2m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 34.5mm
Case width with crown: 37.2mm
Case length: 33.5mm
Case length lug to lug: 42mm
Case Depth: 11.75mm
Lug width: 19mm