The Rolex Datejust is now a ‘poster boy’ for Rolex, globally recognisable and one of the most popular and timeless watches in the world. Prized for its versatility, accuracy and elegant design. 
 
This example is a reference 6605 from 1959, with a tropicalised silver dial with standout ‘arrow’ hour markers and stepped pie-pan dial edge. It has a date window at 3 O’clock, with black Arabic date signing. The hands are of luminous Dauphine style, with ties in neatly with the arrow markers. The dial is protected by the original acrylic crystal with date magnifier. 
The bezel has an unusual engine turned finish, which is rare to see on this model. This distinctive bezel is mounted on the 36mm Stainless Steel Oyster case which has clear signs of ageing. To the right is the screw down Oyster crown with Rolex Cornet logo. 
The screwback Oyster case is signed with the reference 6605 to the inside, with the date code II.59 which dates the watch to the second quarter of 1959. 
The beautiful Rolex 1605 movement is inside, with the aesthetically pleasing butterfly rotor. It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within COSC standards. 
 
In 1956, Rolex introduced two new Datejust models, the 6604 and 6605. The 6604 had a smooth bezel, with the 6605 having a fluted bezel. The 6605 also came with an engine turned bezel which sets this example of the 6605 apart from the other Datejusts of the same period. 
 
These were the first datejust models to have the now classic tapered profile, with the more conventional flat profile to the rear. This example has a dial which blends the design of the 1945 Rolex 4467 & 5030 from the early 50s, with that of the 1960s 160X examples with the 1560 movement. 
 
The 6605 is a model which is more readily available than its two predecessors, but still isn’t commonly seen due to its 3-year production run between 56 and 59.  
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The silver dial is original and has developed tropicalised patination. It has a dished outer section with a satin finish on the face. This has a speckled patina. The hour markers are good and clean, as is the applied Rolex Cornet. The signing is clear and good. The date window is a good tone. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are original of luminous dauphine design, in a silver tone. They are in average condition with signs of corrosion on the hour and minute hand. The lume in-fill is original.
 
Glass: 
The acrylic crystal is original with date magnifier. It has no major marking to the centre. It has some chipping around the outside. 
 
Crown: 
The Rolex crown is original and in good condition, functioning as it should, screwing down well.
 
Case:
The case is formed of Stainless Steel and is in average condition with light surface scratching and some dints. It has had the finish re-done in the past. 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 steel bezel has marking and dints associated with age. 
 
Caseback:
The case back is stainless steel and is in average condition with polished exterior with age. The finishing has light surface scratching associated with ageing. The coin edge is average with some wear, with two scratches from poor opening attempts. 
 
Strap: 
The watch comes on a new leather strap for 20mm lug width. 
 
Movement: 
The movement is a Rolex calibre 1065. It is a chronometer grade automatic movement with a jewel count of 25 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. It has a date function. It has the desirable butterfly rotor design. 
 
The movement has been serviced. It’s keeping time to within +5 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 280 degrees and a beat error of 2.6m/s.
 
Case dimensions: 
Case width: 36mm 
Case width with crown: 38.5mm 
Case length: 34.5mm 
Case length lug to lug: 44mm 
Case Depth: 11.75mm 
Lug width: 19mm