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Exploring a Rare Rolex “Red Datejust” 6075 with 10k Gold Case
The Rolex Datejust is among the brand’s most enduring models, introduced in 1945 to celebrate Rolex’s 40th anniversary as the first self-winding wristwatch with an automatically quick changing date.
Within the broader lineage of the Datejust, the “Ovettone” series or “Big Bubble‐Back” models of the 1950s and early 1960s represent transitional variants with by their domed case back to house and the early automatic calibres.
Collectors value these for their unique proportions and historical placement.
The reference 6075, produced from the mid‐1950s into the early 1960s, marks an early instance in which the “Datejust” name appeared on the dial—initially in a rare red print rather than the more common black.
Examples bearing this red legend are rare and sought after.
This watch has a two-piece 10‐karat gold case (10 kt, equivalent to 0.417 fineness), measuring the classic 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown.
This is an unusual gold title, rarely seen on Rolex cases.
The case back has the usual original markings, the Rolex logo and the Geneva key symbol with the number 12, indicating production by Genex.
Genex is one of Rolex’s known case manufacturers, in the middle the gold title – 0.417 – 10kt – and on the left the “Morgenstern” (morning star) gold hallmark, a Swiss watch case hallmark usually stamped on 9kt cases.
The Serial number – 724XXX - dates this watch to 1961.
Gold cases of 10 kt are atypical in Rolex production; these were likely designated for the British market, where 9 kt was the standard. In 1961, UK law required imported gold watch cases to be assayed and hallmarked, typically at 9 ct or higher. The absence of UK import hallmarks on this example suggests it was not originally retailed in the UK, (despite this watch was acquired in London in the early 1990s).
This underscores the watch’s rarity as only a handful of Rolex cases in 10-karat gold are known, and most of these bear British gold import hallmarks.
It remains unclear why this unusual 10-karat alloy was used on certain watches; it is possible that these cases were produced on special request.
The original dial was originally silvered, it has now uniformly tropicalized to a warm, even tone, accented by small, evenly distributed oxidation spots. The graphically bold arrowhead indices are original and the “Datejust” signature is printed in red —a rarity on this reference— upon disassebly, the dial has the Star logo of Swiss dial maker firm Stern, at the time one of Rolex`s known dial supplier The original applied coronet and sword hands are in very good condition.
The dial shows no indication of restoration or alteration; legibility remains clear, and the overall patina reflects authenticity.
Movement
Under the hood is the Rolex automatic calibre A295, a 101⁄2‐ligne rhodium-plated movement with a straight-line lever escapement, Rolex’s “Superbalance,” and a self‐compensating Breguet hairspring, with centre-seconds and a date.
Chronometer-certified Calibre A295 are known to be and were supplied to early Datejust Ovettone references—including 4467, 5030/5031, 6074, and 6075.
The reference 6075 stands at the crossroads of Rolex’s evolution: transitioning from early domed Ovettone cases and older calibre designs toward the more modern Datejust language that would crystallize in the Calibre 1565/1570 era (Cal. 1565, with its typical butterfly rotor, was introduced in 1957) .
This ref. 6075 with red Datejust printing provides insight into Rolex’s mid-century design DNA. It links the historically significant ref. 4467, the very first Datejust introduced in 1945, with later mainstay models, while retaining idiosyncratic touches. Its production in 1961, rare case alloy, and tropicalized dial contribute to its collector appeal—without invoking hyperbole.
The Rolex Datejust ref. 6075 “Big Bubble-Back” with rare red Datejust signature and 10 kt gold case represents a discreet chapter in Datejust history, bridging early automatic models and full modernisation.
This Datejust – almost – unique alloy, and solid provenance make it a compelling, timepiece aimed at collectors and enthusiasts seeking a piece — apparently unsensational – yet deeply meaningful.
