THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 6605
YEAR: 1959
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 36mm
CASE MATERIAL: 18K ROSE GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
The 6605 was unveiled in 1956, showcasing an elegant new movement alongside a refined case and caseback profile compared to its predecessors. Thanks to the slimmer cal 1065, Rolex eliminated the curved case backs, resulting in a more streamlined case design. The 6605 featured a fluted bezel, distinguishing it from the 6604, which had a smooth bezel. This particular piece is crafted in rose gold—a rarity in the 1950s. While rose gold is more common today, finding vintage examples in this metal is quite challenging. The watch boasts exquisite rose gold Dauphine hands and arrowhead markers that have beautifully oxidized. The Strontium plots and lume on the hands are perfectly intact. Given its 1959 production, the radiation output is minimal, just over 1 µSv/h.
Now, let’s delve into those iconic three words: Serpico Y Laino. Though perhaps less recognized than the Tiffany & Co stamping among the general public, SYL has garnered significant attention and respect in the last decade, and for good reason.
Vincenzo Laino, a goldsmith by trade, emigrated from Italy to Venezuela in the 1920s in search of new opportunities. Shortly after his arrival, he met fellow Italian Leopoldo Serpico in Caracas. Serpico, already established with a jewelry repair business called Joyeria Serpico, was impressed by Laino's business acumen, innovative ideas, and goldsmithing skills. This admiration led to the formation of Serpico Y Laino. Over the following decade, Vincenzo traveled extensively throughout Europe, forging relationships with prestigious watch brands and securing exclusive agreements in Venezuela, with Rolex being one of the first.
Due to their success and esteemed clientele, Rolex allowed SYL to inscribe their name on the dials. However, this partnership was short-lived; in 1966, a bomb attack led to the business’s closure. That same year, Vincenzo passed away, having outlived his business partner who had died during the war.
These factors contribute to the extreme rarity of SYL signed dials, especially in a watch as exceptional as this one.
The watch itself is in superb condition, suggesting it has predominantly been worn with a leather strap, as indicated by the minimal wear on the lugs. All numbers and serial marks remain clear and legible. We have paired the watch with both a rich black and light blue leather strap, emphasizing its versatility.
Recently serviced, the watch is running at -3 seconds per day, with an amplitude of 255 and a beat error of 0.6.