Rolex Oyster Perpetual Semi-Bubbleback

Why We Love It

Blued steel. Radium burn. Alpha hands. 

If these descriptors don't immediately get you excited, well, you're on the wrong website!

This watch, a Reference 6084 Oyster Perpetual dates to approximately 1953, and is loaded to the hilt with all the goodness you could possibly hope for in a mid-century Rolex. It possesses a 'semi-bubbleback' case of the type used by the manufacture from the 1930s to the 1950s; a prototypical Oyster case with an oversized 'bubble' case back to accommodate the oversized automatic calibres used in the era. Its silver satin dial has patinated to a soft cream tone and shows light radium burn from the luminous material in the alpha-style handset.  

With intact luminous material throughout, and a blued steel central seconds hand, this beautiful piece adds up to more than the sum of its parts, and in our opinion is near perfect in every way. 

Subs, GMTs, Daytonas, Day-Dates and the like are all shooting up like heroin addicts on skid row, but thankfully - for now - there are some great options for robust, simple time-only models available for under $3K.

But not all of them look this good.

The Story

The history of Rolex is inextricably linked to the visionary spirit of Hans Wilsdorf, its founder. Born in Germany and orphaned as a child, as a youth Wilsdorf worked for a Swiss watch manufacturer in La Chaux-de-Fonds. By his 20s he had relocated to London and founded a company specializing in the distribution of timepieces.

Before long, he began to dream of a watch worn on the wrist.

The story is that Wilsdorf conceived of the Oyster case while working quietly in his workshop. But Wilsdorf had never himself been a watchmaker. In actuality, the Oyster case was the product of at least four attempts by Rolex to produce a waterproof case. But the name “Oyster” itself was Wilsdorf’s own contribution. According to his recollections, the inspiration came to him while he was opening oysters for a dinner party. He registered the name in Switzerland on July 29th, 1926, and then two months later in London.

The first Rolex Oysters were produced in late 1926, and within a year after their first production, Rolex was patenting improvements: 7 in less than 10 years. This exemplifies Rolex’s— and Wilsdorf’s— capacity to modify and improve their product constantly, even though they were far in the lead of all their competitors- a fact they protect with vigor to this day.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.