Rolex Ref. 6484, Quadrant Dial (c. 1956)

A nuanced and uncommon Rolex from the 1950's that captures a brief design window, where experimental dial layouts met the brand’s growing tool-watch identity. This purposeful mid-century Rolex blurs the line between dress and tool watch, and is anchored by one of the most compelling quadrant “Explorer-style” dials of the era. 

A Note from the Curator

The Rolex Ref. 6484 sits in an interesting transitional moment for the brand, where Oyster case technology, tool-watch functionality, and more experimental dial designs were all intersecting.

This 1956 example is particularly compelling for its rare quadrant “Explorer-style” chevron dial, combining applied Arabic numerals at 3-6-9 with

arrowhead markers and luminous  accents. The presence of a 50m depth rating printed directly on the dial is a less common variant, underscoring Rolex’s push at the time to emphasize water resistance and everyday durability.

The result is a watch that feels more utilitarian than many of its contemporaries, yet still refined in proportion and execution. These quadrant dials are seldom seen on Ref. 6484, making this a standout for collectors who appreciate subtle variations within vintage Rolex production, especially those that hint at the early visual language that would later define the Explorer, and other models to follow. 

Happy hunting,
Brent

Condition Report & Contents

Case
Stainless steel Oyster case measuring 34mm (diameter) x 40mm (lug to lug), with a thickness of 9.5mm. The case retains strong overall proportions with thick lugs, and visible bevel structure, and brushed finishing on the top-side of the lugs. It shows honest wear consistent with age and appears to have been lightly polished at some point, though without compromising its overall integrity. Drilled lug holes remain pronounced. The oyster case features it's signature screw-down crown and screw-back case.

Dial
Original textured dial aged to a warm off-white tone. The quadrant “Explorer-style” layout features applied Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9, paired with arrowhead markers which originally hosted luminous accents. The dial is clean overall, and shows an even patina throughout, but free from major spotting or damage.

Applied markers show even oxidation and light patina. Luminous plots within the arrowhead markers remain intact and have aged to a darker tone, while lume at the 3-6-9 numerals has degraded and is no longer present. The printed 50m depth rating is still visible, but has faded slightly. 

Hands
Original handset in good condition. Lume has been lost from both the hour and minute hands, consistent with the degradation seen on the dial numerals.

Movement
Manual wind Rolex movement caliber 710 (service history unknown). Currently running between approximately - 1.5 to 2 minutes per day with an amplitude of ~210. Operating well overall, though a service may be considered at the buyer’s discretion for long-term optimization and more accurate timekeeping.

Crystal
Acrylic crystal in good condition, showing light signs of wear consistent with age, but no major distractions. 

Accessories
Watch only.

Specifications

• Brand: Rolex
• Reference: 6484
• Year: 1956 (Serial: 194329)
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Case Size: 34mm diameter
• Lug-to-Lug: 40mm
• Thickness: 9.5mm
• Dial: White quadrant “Explorer-style” chevron dial with applied 3-6-9 numerals
• Hands: Luminous (lume degraded/lost)
• Movement: Manual wind, Cal 710
• Crystal: Acrylic
• Crown: Screw-down
• Caseback: Screw-down
• Water Resistance: Originally rated to 50m (not guaranteed due to age)