Rolex Datejust Ref. 6305 'Ovettone' - 18K Pink Gold - Very Rare 'Serpico Y Laino' Signed Dial - 1953

This Rolex Datejust Ref. 6305 is an incredibly rare and important early example of the Datejust, cased in 18k pink gold and fitted with a very rare Serpico Y Laino signed dial.

The reference 6305 is one of the most significant early Datejust references. Produced for a relatively short period in the 1950s, running for less than five years, it represents the early development of the Datejust before the model became one of the most recognisable watches Rolex ever made. Known by collectors as the “Ovettone”, the reference is admired for its rounded case profile, early construction and strong vintage character.

What makes this example especially important is the dial. The eggshell tone dial carries the early red Datejust text, a detail only seen on early Datejust watches and one that gives the watch enormous visual charm. It is also double signed Serpico Y Laino, the prestigious South American Rolex retailer. For collectors, these retailer signatures represent much more than branding. They connect the watch to a specific market, period and point of sale, giving the piece genuine historical depth and added rarity.

The watch is also fitted with a rare red date wheel, visible beneath the early Cyclops crystal. The reference 6305 was the first Datejust reference to use the magnifying date bubble, making this an important transitional piece in Rolex history.

The condition is very well presented for a watch of this age. At around 70 years old, the case, dial, handset and bracelet all carry the warmth and character collectors want to see in an early Rolex, while still presenting beautifully on the wrist. The period correct 18k pink gold Jubilee bracelet is exceptionally rare in its own right and completes the watch in a way few surviving examples can match.

Key Features

Brand: Rolex

Model: Datejust Ovettone

Reference: 6305

Year: 1953

Movement: Rolex automatic calibre A.296

Case: Rare 36mm 18k pink gold case with fluted bezel

Dial: Very rare eggshell tone dial with red Datejust text

Signature: Double signed Serpico Y Laino dial

Date Wheel: Rare red date wheel

Crystal: Acrylic crystal with Cyclops magnifier

Bracelet: Very rare and period correct 18k pink gold Jubilee bracelet

Accessories / The Set

This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for vintage timepieces.

We place greater value on condition, originality and overall integrity than on whether a box or papers happen to be present. Many vintage watches have lost their original packaging over time, and we do not believe in inflating prices with non-original extras.

If a watch does include genuine box and papers, this will always be clearly noted in the description.

All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.

Why Buy This Watch

This is not just a rare Datejust. It is a highly important early Rolex Datejust with several of the most desirable collector details in one watch.

The reference 6305 already matters because it sits at the beginning of the Datejust story. Add the 18k pink gold case, the Ovettone profile, the red Datejust dial printing, the red date wheel, the Serpico Y Laino retailer signature and the rare pink gold Jubilee bracelet, and you have a genuinely special vintage Rolex.

The Serpico Y Laino signature is particularly important. Double signed Rolex dials are highly sought after because they tie a watch to a specific retailer and period of sale. In this case, it connects the watch to one of the most respected Rolex retailers in South America, giving the piece provenance and historical context that a standard example simply does not have.

The overall presentation is exactly why collectors still chase early Rolex. It has warmth, rarity, originality and the kind of period details that cannot be recreated. The red text and red date wheel give it immediate visual interest, while the pink gold case and bracelet make it feel exceptionally complete.

A rare, important and beautifully aged Rolex Datejust 6305 Ovettone, with the details collectors care about most.

Every watch we sell is fully inspected to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12-month warranty as standard.