1955 Rolex Red Datejust 18K YG (Ref. 6305 1) "Ovettone" W/ Roulette Date Wheel

The Rolex Datejust is one of the most iconic and beloved watches made by Rolex. Launched in 1945, it remains a timeless classic and is instantly recognizable as an item of superior quality and functional design.

After Rolex introduced the Datejust in 1945, the brand entered a massive period of expansion that continued through the 1950s as they introduced model after model of now iconic timepieces, most of which still exist in some form today. Though this explosion in manufacturing resulted in impressive growth for the brand, it was also an extremely experimental time for Rolex as well which resulted in rapidly evolving designs. For each new improvement or design update Rolex introduced within a model, there was a new reference created to signify that change, thus resulting in numerous references created for a single model in a small timeframe with extremely small production periods. Making each new reference rare onto itself and for a specific reason.

The earlier models of the Rolex Datejust weren't actually signed "Datejust" on the dials until the 1950s, and these early signed models were done so with special red text that was phased out after only a few years. This is synonymous with most of the new model introductions from Rolex in this era, such as the Red Submariner ref. 1680, and Double Red Sea-Dweller ref. 1665. This red detail, however small, adds an incredible amount of exclusivity and character to the Datejust dials.

"Ovettone" roughly translates from Italian as 'Big Egg' and is a term coined by collectors to represent early 36mm models that feature round case backs, more commonly seen in the smaller Bubble-Back Rolex model range, which is why "Ovettones" are also commonly referred to as "Big Bubble-Backs".