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Explorer I Reference 6098
"Broad Arrow / Pre-Explorer"
The first reference to carry the Explorer name on the dial, produced to commemorate the 1953 Everest expedition. A transitional watch between the earlier Oyster Perpetual and the mature Explorer line. Gilt dials with painted luminous numerals. The broad arrow hour hand is distinctive — it was replaced by the Mercedes hand in subsequent references.
Notable: Edmund Hillary's summit watch was likely a ref. 6098 or 6350. Rolex gifted the expedition team these watches.
Technical Specification
| Reference | 6098 |
| Production years | 1953–1954 |
| Case diameter | 36 mm |
| Case material | Oyster steel |
| Movement | Cal. 1030 |
| Jewels | 17 |
| Frequency | 18,000 bph |
| Power reserve | 38h |
| Crystal | Acrylic (plexiglass) |
| Water resistance | 100m |
| Bracelet | Riveted Oyster / leather strap |
| Lume | Radium |
| Dial colour | Matte black or gilt |
| Numerals | 3–6–9 Arabic, gilt printing |
| Hands | Broad arrow hour hand, baton minute |
| Crown | Non-waterproof crown (no crown guards) |
| Serial range | 9xxxxx – 11xxxxx |
Variants & Production Marks
Matte black gilt dial
Silvered dial