An Antarctic Explorer
Let's journey into the captivating world of vintage timepieces with the Rolex Explorer 6610, a watch that boasts a fascinating history of its own. It was originally issued by the Royal Society IGY Antarctic Expedition in 1956, finding its way to the wrist of Sgt. Ivor Beney, a key member involved in the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition spanning from 1955 to 1958. Little did I know, this is the watch that would set me on a path to becoming a full-fledged watch degenerate.
Now, picture this: nestled amidst the towering La Grange Nunataks, a mountain with a commanding height of 1,000 meters in the northern reaches of the Shackleton Range, proudly stands Mount Beney. The United Kingdom Antarctic Place-Names Committee, in a gesture of deep respect for Sgt. Ivor Beney's contributions during that expedition, saw fit to name this majestic peak in his honor.
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Above: 'Ivor Beney I.G.Y.E Antarctica 1956-59' stamped on the caseback
My own journey into the realm of vintage watches began in 2015, at a time when I was a novice collector with a newfound passion. I'd just achieved a significant milestone in my career, and I felt the itch to mark the occasion with a remarkable timepiece. Vintage Explorers had always beckoned to me from afar, purely for their timeless design.
As fate would have it, while en route to a meeting in West London, my eyes were drawn to a watch dealer's window display, and an inexplicable sense of excitement coursed through me. It was there that I laid eyes on a breathtakingly beautiful Explorer, its creamy lume casting an irresistible spell. I couldn't resist; I walked in
It was during that encounter that I learned of its remarkable historical pedigree, and that's when I knew I had to make it mine. Later that week, I dived headlong into the world of Rolex Explorers, and to my surprise, discovered that despite being told everything was original, this watch sported a factory replacement dial – a rare gem with tritium lume, akin to a 1016 dial but bearing the OCC stamp at 6 o'clock, reminiscent of a 6610 dial.
Shocked and disheartened, I took to the Rolex Forums, sharing my dilemma with fellow enthusiasts. After a whirlwind of emotions, impassioned debates, and sage advice from the forum community, I made the decision to keep it in my collection. And I'm grateful I did because this beauty, with a renewed lease on life, has accompanied me on journeys spanning almost every continent since then.
This old-timer, now with a newfound sense of purpose, continues to be my favorite among my cherished collection. Its enduring allure and storied past make it more than just a watch; it's a trusted companion with a tale to tell. For those keen to delve deeper into the saga, you can follow the entire discussion in the forum right here
