ROLEX 6105 Double Swiss Red Officially French 18K Rose Gold 1961s

Following World War I, the economic expansion driven by the United States spread globally. By the late 1920s, France had begun to recover, with trade revenues from imports and exports reaching their peak. Entering the 1930s, tariffs and consumption taxes accounted for approximately 55% of national revenue, leading France to implement its own import regulations.

Among these were strict controls on luxury goods such as gold and watches. Imported items were required to clearly indicate their country of origin.

This is where the concept of the “Double Swiss” emerges.

Around 1930, France required watch manufacturers to mark the country of manufacture directly on the dial, ensuring immediate identification. This marking—“FAB. SUISSE”—became mandatory for Swiss watches imported into France.

For cases, particularly those in solid gold, additional import hallmarks were required to identify the importing entity. In this piece, the caseback interior bears the “SAR” mark (Societe Anonyme Rolex), indicating official importation (later seen on exterior casebacks from the late 1960s onward).

The dial further features the red “OFFICIALLY” marking, specific to import pieces. Notably, both “FAB. SUISSE” and “SWISS MADE” are present—an overlap permitted only around 1961. Watches bearing both markings are referred to as “Double Swiss,” and exist within a very limited production window.

The serial number, beginning with 70, confirms a 1961 production. Combined with the SAR hallmark, this piece clearly belongs to a transitional period in French import regulations.

It is, in essence, a product of its time.

Within the lineage of vintage Datejust models—Ref. 4467, 5030, 6030, 6075, 6105, 6305, 6309, 6605, and 1601—this example is positioned as a third-generation piece.

Unlike modern production, watches of this era were assembled by hand, resulting in a level of durability and individuality rarely seen today. This piece retains exceptional originality, with no signs of alteration, even down to the smallest screws.

At its core is Caliber 745, developed from the earlier Cal. 645. Structural refinements to the rotor and movement architecture reduced thickness, improving wearability.

The balance features a recessed rim with regulating screws—a “super balance” design—minimizing rotational resistance and enhancing stability in timekeeping.

Mechanically, it represents a mature and highly refined automatic movement.

This watch exists at the intersection of history and regulation. A French-imported piece, marked by the rare “Double Swiss” dial configuration.

Powered by the renowned Caliber 745, housed within the third generation of foundational references—Ref. 6105—and executed in solid 18k pink gold.

Examples meeting all these conditions are virtually absent from today’s market.

Not simply rare—
but a piece that exists beyond standard classification.

- wrist size in our picture is 17cm circumference -