Rolex Oyster Precision Ref. 6512 'Veriflat' - Sunburst Silver 'Asprey' Dial

If you boil Rolex down to its purest form, what do you get? The Rolex Oyster Perpetual. This is truly the genesis for the entire Rolex brand. The very first Rolex models were called ‘Oysters’ which was owed to their innovative three part case that all screwed into each-other. This watch represents an evolution of that, when these were still semi-bubble back watches. The piece that we have here, an Oyster Precision, is a descendant of those early watches, utilizing a water-resistant Oyster case, a manually-wound movement, and nothing else. Except, this piece happens to be the thinnest Oyster-case Rolex ever produced, even until today. Known as an Oyster Precision Veriflat, the 34mm Oyster case comes in at just 6mm thin (excluding the crystal) all while retaining the screw-down caseback and screw-down crown. Dating to circa 1964, this example is offered in strong overall condition, with a nice symmetrical case with clear hallmarks, crisp lugs undersides, and visible factory finishing. The silver dial within shows some patina from age and presents nicely, with clear sunburst finishing, applied indices, and very a very unusual for Rolex, 'concentric' subsidiary seconds register on the bottom half. The handset is of the very elegant 'dauphine' style and compliment the overall layout perfectly. Flip this piece over and there is an always alluring caseback engraving. But It doesn't stop there... look a little closer and you'll find an additional retailer stamp on the lower half of the dial from London's Asprey. There is no doubt whatsoever that the Oyster Precision range remains an overlooked and interesting part of Rolex's history, with the Veriflat in particular, a significant model thatis unknown to even seasoned collectors. If a Rolex were to be a Calatrava, this is it.