ROLEX, Oyster-Perpetual, Tru-Beat, Chronometer, wristwatch, 34,5 mm,
steel, automatic, plastic glass, Oyster bracelet, folding clasp, manufactured first quarter of 1956.
Caliber 1040, Movement nr N770193, Serial nr 455.700, Reference nr 6556, Case nr 6556 (I.56), Bracelet reference nr 2.65/57
Movement (7/10)
Dial and hands (5/10) Restored dial
Case (6/10)
Original Bracelet (7/10)
Buckle (Folding clasp)
Certificate (No)
Box (No)
Overall Opinion (7/10)
Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
More information
The Tru Beat was launched by Rolex in 1954 and was largely ignored at first and now highly desirable due to their rarity.
It would be easy to dismiss the unpopularity of the Tru-Beat through modern eyes with reference to a cheap quartz watch but we have to remember that the last of these watches was produced in 1959, a decade before quartz, so ticking watches would have been rare, not ubiquitous as now.
While outwardly identical to any other Oyster Perpetual, the Tru Beat housed a modified movement that allowed the ticking motion of the second hand.