Now available at auction from Second Vintage The manual-wind Rolex Oysterdate occupies a special place in the brand's storied lineage, offering a pure, tactile connection to mid-century horology that automatic models simply cannot replicate. Stripped of the rotor, the Oyster case sits elegantly on the wrist, delivering a refined profile while maintaining the legendary robustness Rolex is known for. This particular example stands out due to its remarkably well-preserved silver dial and the reassuringly crisp engravings between its lugs, making it a highly compelling acquisition for both seasoned collectors and those seeking a foundational vintage Rolex. Brand: Rolex Model: Oysterdate Precision Reference Number: 6694 Serial Number: 2048416 Movement: Manual wind, caliber 1225, 17 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices and creamy lume plots, presented in exceptionally clean condition with minimal signs of aging Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and sharp case engravings Dial and Hands The dial of this Oysterdate is a masterclass in understated mid-century design, featuring a radiant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied faceted baton indices and the iconic applied Rolex coronet at the twelve o'clock position. The original faceted alpha hands feature central luminous strips that match the delicate, perfectly round lume plots positioned at the outer edge of the hour markers. These tritium elements, denoted by the T SWISS T printing at six o'clock, have aged to a highly attractive, uniform creamy eggshell tone. The date aperture at three o'clock reveals a classic silver date disc with striking black typography, notably featuring the desirable open six and nine numerals. Crucially, the dial remains exceptionally clean. A close loupe inspection reveals no severe moisture damage, staining, or prominent spotting, showing only the faintest, most attractive age-consistent warmth that confirms its authentic vintage pedigree. Case and Crystal The 35 millimeter stainless steel Oyster case presents a classic, versatile profile. The smooth polished bezel provides a brilliant contrast to the brushed finish on the tops of the drilled lugs. The case exhibits honest signs of wear and respectful past polishing, with the lug profiles remaining structurally sound and visually pleasing. The transitions between the brushed lug tops and the polished case flanks remain well-defined. Between the lugs, the reference number 6694 and the serial number 2048416, along with the Registered Design text, are struck deeply and remain perfectly legible, a reassuring sign of the case's integrity. The watch is fitted with a signed Rolex twinlock screw-down crown, identifiable by the coronet and the single line beneath it. The dial is protected by a domed acrylic crystal featuring the signature cyclops magnification lens over the date, which remains clear and highly legible, showing only minor surface handling marks entirely consistent with careful vintage ownership. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust Rolex caliber 1225 manual wind movement. Close inspection of the mechanism reveals a wonderfully clean and bright aesthetic, with the 17 jewels marking proudly displayed on the bridge alongside the movement serial 8758. The caliber designation 1225 is clearly visible on the mainplate. The inside of the caseback is properly stamped with the Rolex Geneva nomenclature and bears the date code IV 69, correctly aligning the watch to the fourth quarter of 1969. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of +2 to +7 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome dark brown leather strap featuring a classic crocodilian embossed texture. The strap is detailed with contrasting white perimeter stitching, adding a subtle casual elegance to the piece, and is secured by a stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable star, remaining incredibly clean and free of the heavy spotting or damage that often plagues watches of this era. The case wears its history honestly, retaining strong architecture and exceptionally clear serial and reference engravings. The movement is visually pristine and mechanically outstanding, making this a highly wearable and collectible vintage Rolex. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the signed screw-down crown. Remarks The Reference 6694 is a cornerstone of vintage Rolex collecting, offering the perfect blend of the waterproof Oyster case architecture and the engaging daily ritual of a manual wind movement. Finding an example with a dial this clean, combined with completely legible case engravings and such strong mechanical performance, presents a superb opportunity to acquire a truly honest and beautiful vintage timepiece. History Introduced in the 1950s and produced through the late 1980s, the Rolex Oysterdate Precision Reference 6694 was a stalwart of the brand's catalog. Unlike the automatic Datejust, the Oysterdate relied on a manually wound movement, which allowed for a slightly slimmer case profile while still offering the utility of a date function and the ruggedness of the Oyster case. The Precision text on the dial indicates that the movement, while built to Rolex's exacting standards, was not submitted for chronometer certification, a distinction that has made these models highly cherished by purists who appreciate their straightforward, reliable, and unpretentious mechanical nature. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: ROL-ROP-0008