Rolex. A stainless steel automatic wristwatch

Oyster Perpetual Precision 'Pre-Explorer', Ref: 6098, Circa 1961

Model: Oyster Perpetual Precision 'Pre-Explorer'
Reference: 6098
Date: Circa 1961
Movement: 18-jewel automatic, No.43338
Dial: Brushed silvered, luminous filled Arabic numeral hour markers, black outer 1/5th minute track with Arabic numeral 5 minute markers, blued steel luminous filled sword hands, centre seconds
Case: Brushed and polished tonneau form, screw down back and crown, No.726545
Strap/Bracelet: Olive NATO fabric
Buckle/Clasp: Steel buckle
Signed: Case, dial & movement
Size: 37mm

In May 1953, Sir John Hunt led the successful British expedition to climb Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Within the climbing party there were several members wearing Rolex 6098 watches upon their wrists thus launching the legacy that still thrives today.

It can be assumed that upon the successful return of the party that the name Explorer was adopted by Rolex. It was subsequently used on the 6098 model very briefly before being phased out shortly after for the 6298 featuring the now familiar black 3, 6, 9 dial configuration. Being effectively the prototype for the Explorer, the 6098 is nicknamed the 'Pre-Explorer'.