This Watch

This is a stunningly presented 1956 First Gen cal 1030 Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Model 6565/ 6564 housed in the timeless 34mm stainless steel Oyster case with The Engine turned bezel.

The centrepiece of this watch is the beautifully preserved, mildly aged and Totally original dial. It features the distinctive Raised Rolex & Crown Motif design— A Mix of fine slim baton markers and larger Bevelled Markers , which was a sought-after aesthetic of the late 1950s. It is finished with sharp, and elegant chrome Dauphine hands, creating a warm contrast against the steel case.

The watch is fitted with a High grade Italian leather hand made 19mm strap featuring a Rolex-style buckle, completing the classic vintage look.

The 34.5mm, stainless steel, three-piece, Oyster case is a comfortable wear for both men and women.  The watch has the signature Rolex Oyster, screw-down crown as well as a domed crystal and that Cool engine turned bezel with polished squares at the hour markers , drawing your eyes into that amazing dial.  Inside is the automatic officially certified Chronometer Rolex caliber 1030, fully serviced by us and running strongly. 

Powering this timepiece is the famous Rolex Calibre 1030. Introduced in 1950, the 1030 was a landmark movement for Rolex—it was their first complete in-house calibre and featured the "Butterfly" rotor, a bi-directional winding mechanism that set the standard for automatic watches.

The Model 6565 is distinguished by its more decorative Engine Turned stainless steel bezel, giving it a more upgraded look, compared to its polished or fluted siblings (like the 6564 or 6567). The dial bears the text "Officially Certified Chronometer", a testament to the high-precision standards Rolex was already setting in this era.

Extra Points 

Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1905 at the age of 24, along with Alfred Davis in London. In 1919 they moved their operation to Geneva, Switzerland. This move was brought about by high wartime taxes on Gold and Silver in the UK after the Great war 1914-1918. They were now closer to their suppliers in Bienne. The Rolex Oyster case was released in 1926. Marketed as the world's first “waterproof” watch. The notches on the bezel and case back meant they could be screwed down to the middle case with a special tool invented and manufactured by Rolex to hermetically seal the case. In 1927 a young swimmer Miss Mercedes Gleitz swam the English channel wearing the “Oyster”. Later in 1933 the team of the first expedition to fly over Everest wore them. It was also famously worn by Sir Malcolm Campbell, “King Of Speed”, on the 4th September 1935. An advert of the time made a big splash with him saying “The Rolex watch is still keeping perfect time- I was wearing it yesterday when Bluebird exceeded 300 mph.” He broke the world land speed record 9 times between 1924 and 1936. 1931 saw the debut of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, their first self-winding watch that was also water-resistant and dustproof. 

This watch has been fully serviced with our on-site workshop and comes with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.

What we think

Most Definitely one on the Finest ,all original condition examples we have seen in some time . 

Finding a 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual in such honest, untouched condition is getting harder by the day. This Reference 6565 is an absolute dream for the purist—boasting an incredible, 100% original dial and matching hand set that have aged with total grace.

What really elevates this piece is the original lume. The hour plots and classic alpha hands feature that untouched, warm, creamy patina that vintage collectors spend years searching for, adding immense character without sacrificing crispness. Framed by its distinctive engine-turned bezel and featuring the iconic "Officially Certified Chronometer" text, it represents mid-century Rolex design at its absolute finest.

Dating back roughly 70 years to the mid-1950s, this piece isn't just a remarkable slice of horological history—it makes a remarkably thoughtful and unique 70th birthday present for someone who appreciates true vintage heritage.

Spec Stuff