A History of the Rolex Oyster Royal

A Friday morning discussion on a lesser-known part of Rolex history

One of the best entries into the world of Rolex is the classic oyster.

Not a chronometer nor an automatic - I’m talking about the 34mm manual winding precision references 6426/6427. These pieces were staples in the Rolex lineup, and remain an ‘affordable’ way of getting a crown on the wrist.

Interestingly, when one considers the history of Tudor (offering a Rolex product for less money), it begs the question as to why these precision oysters didn’t end up branded with a shield. Furthermore, there are inherently more ‘impressive’ Tudors, that is, watches with better specifications on paper. Instead, however, these precision oysters were fit with an in-house Rolex caliber, and for that reason primarily they landed within the Rolex catalog.

This is a history I found myself diving into while contemplating my most recent watch purchase. With the help of my friend over at Mineral Watches, I jumped and made this stellar example my own.

Newest member of the fam

Outside of its salmon dial (thanks to some even patina), one of the first aspects of its construction you’re sure to notice is the “Royal” print.

At first you may wonder if this “Royal” text is in reference to some hidden luxury or benefit of these iterations over the classic 6426.

No, instead, this extra line of text is in reference to the market these watches were intended for, specifically Great Britain and Canada.

To the watch community, I pose a question - is this considered a ‘double stamp’ of sorts? Or merely an added detail representing a unique history?

The market shows us that this little extra line of text carries a small premium. Additionally, it’s the mark of an early oyster - one from the golden age of Rolex manufacturing. Keep in mind that some of the most collectable and expensive Rolex pieces were manufactured alongside this unassuming oyster.

Summing things up, this is a little corner inside the larger umbrella of Rolex history. Yet, watches like these provide a collector the opportunity to afford something more unique in the Rolex space without a massive premium.