The Rolex Datejust Ref. 6305-1 “Ovettone” Left-Handed – A Rare Collector’s Piece

February 14, 2025

The Rolex Datejust Ref. 63051, known as the “Ovettone” (Italian for “big egg”), is an intriguing and historically significant timepiece, released in the early 1950s, this particular watch is recogniseable for its very rare left-handed crown configuration, making it an exceptional and highly collectible variation of the classic Datejust.

The Birth of the Datejust and the "Ovettone" Design

Rolex introduced the Datejus in 1945 to commemorate the brand’s 40th anniversary, establishing it as the world’s first self-winding wristwatch with an automatically changing date window at 3 o’clock which would jump sharp on the midnight.

The Datejust quickly became one of Rolex’s signature models, epitomizing functionality and elegance. This Ref. 6305-1, produced in 1955, belongs to the “Ovettone” family, a nickname given to early Datejust models with larger, domed case backs designed to accommodate the earlier generations of automatic rotor movement.

These watches, due to their distinct profile, were among the earliest iterations of what would later become the refined, slim-profiled Datejust models of the 1960s.

A Left-Handed Rolex – A Rare Special Order

Rolex has a history of catering to left-handed watch enthusiasts, but during the 1950s, left-handed Datejust watches were only produced as special-order models. These pieces were made in very limited numbers, making them highly desirable today.

The vast majority of left- handed Rolex watches from this period were produced in stainless steel or two-tone variations, with very few in solid gold—like this particular 18kt gold example.

The modifications required to adapt the standard Datejust design into a mirror-imag layout are quite intricate. The case was specifically manufactured to accommodate the crown at 9 o’clock, while the dial feet and movement ring were adjusted to ensure proper date alignment. Furthermore, the date disc differs from standard right hand versions, as the numerals were printed at a different angle to suit the new positioning.

Case, Dial, and Movement

This Ref. 6305-1 has an 18kt gold case, measuring 36mm (excluding the crown), with a fluted bezel—a hallmark of the Datejust’s design language. The original plexiglass crystal remains intact and well-preserved. The original black “Officially Certified Chronometer” dial is a rarity for this reference.

It shows its arrow-point hour markers and the iconic roulette date wheel, with alternating red and black numerals. The dial has aged very gracefully, exhibiting only very minor signs of wear. Powering this watch is the Rolex Caliber A.296, an automatic movement developed in the late 1940s.

This caliber played a crucial role in Rolex’s technical evolution, offering increased efficiency and reliability over earlier automatic movements. One particularly interesting feature of this movement is the dark brown patina it has developed over time. During servicing, the decision was made to handwash the movement rather than using standard cleaning solutions, preserving this distinctive patina rather than restoring it to its original silvered color.

An Unmistakable Collector’s Piece

The left-handed Ref. 6305-1 is an exceptional example of Rolex’s adaptability in responding to individual requests, making it one of the most collectible Datejust references. The case modifications, dial repositioning, and date disc printing differences all confirm that this is an original left handed model—not a later modification.

Even the serial and reference engravings on the case back were inverted during production, aligning them in the opposite orientation compared to standard right handed versions, so that the reference usually at 12 o`clcok is now at 6 o`clcok and the serial number is at the 12 o`clock position. The engraving of “Patent” on the case further solidifies its authenticity.

For collectors of rare Rolex timepieces, this left-handed Datejust Ref. 6305-1 represents a remarkable opportunity to own a historically significant model that rarely appears on the market. The combination of special-order provenance, solid gold construction, and the early Datejust “Ovettone” design makes this a highly desirable piece for any serious collector. For those seeking a rare and unconventional Rolex, this watch is an exceptional find!