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ROLEX | A VERY RARE STAINLESS STEEL CENTRE SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET AND TROPICAL DIALREF 6538 NO 448969 'BIG CROWN' SUBMARINER CIRCA 1959
Estimate
70,000 - 120,000 GBP
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Description
- Rolex
- A VERY RARE STAINLESS STEEL CENTRE SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET AND TROPICAL DIALREF 6538 NO 448969 'BIG CROWN' SUBMARINER CIRCA 1959
Movement: cal. 1030 automatic lever, 25 jewels Case: stainless steel Oyster case, black bezel calibrated to 60 units, large screw-down crown and back Dial: black, applied luminous triangle, dot and baton indexes Bracelet/Clasp/Buckle: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding claspDiameter: 37mm, bracelet circumference approx. 175mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: presentation case
Condition
DIAL:The dial retains its glossy finished but has faded to a copper brown colour with some additional fading towards the centre by 9. There is some speckling. CASE:There are scuffs, scrapes and dirt commensurate with age. Bevels still visible even if the piece was slightly polished in the past. MOVEMENT: The watch currently runs. The bracelet is date coded 1 69, 7206 and endlinks 80. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."
Catalogue Note
Introduced in 1955, the Ref 6538 was not the very first example of the Submariner that Rolex ever released, but it was a successive part of the evolutionary process following the 6204, the 6205 and the 6200. However, the reference 6538 is certainly one of the best known and most sought-after by collectors. Most know it by its nicknames, either the 'Big crown' or 'Coroncione' in Italian due to the large crown without the guards, or the 'James Bond', thanks to its appearance in the film, 'Dr No.' The Rolex 6538 is characterised by the 8 mm Brevet crown, enhancing the 'tool watch' aspect of the piece. Compared to the Reference 6200, the 6538 has a slightly thinner case. The change was made possible thanks to introduction of the new Calibre 1030.
Another characteristic of the case, typical of that production period and cherished today by collectors, is the large bevels on the lugs. They are still present and clearly visible on the present lot. The case back of this watch is stamped II.59, indicating that it was probably one of the last examples produced as it is believed that Rolex stopped the production of that model on the same year.
It can be found with a range of small dial variations. In this example, we see the two line 200m=660ft SUBMARINER text on a glossy dial that has faded to a wonderful warm coppery brown. The shadow at 9 o'clock was most probably made by the hour hand which stayed in that position for many years when the watch was stored it its presentation case. Some other elements show the originality of the piece, such as the slightly lighter patina to the 6 o'clock index.
The small red triangle placed at the zero on the bezel insert also identifies it as one of the early Submariner references.
The rare Reference 6538 is arguably the most iconic Rolex Submariner and one of the most attractive Rolex vintage references.
This lot, preserved in honest condition, presented for the first time to the market on behalf of the family of the original owner and adorned by a superb tropical dial, is a truly exceptional opportunity to add a grail piece to any serious collection.
Another characteristic of the case, typical of that production period and cherished today by collectors, is the large bevels on the lugs. They are still present and clearly visible on the present lot. The case back of this watch is stamped II.59, indicating that it was probably one of the last examples produced as it is believed that Rolex stopped the production of that model on the same year.
It can be found with a range of small dial variations. In this example, we see the two line 200m=660ft SUBMARINER text on a glossy dial that has faded to a wonderful warm coppery brown. The shadow at 9 o'clock was most probably made by the hour hand which stayed in that position for many years when the watch was stored it its presentation case. Some other elements show the originality of the piece, such as the slightly lighter patina to the 6 o'clock index.
The small red triangle placed at the zero on the bezel insert also identifies it as one of the early Submariner references.
The rare Reference 6538 is arguably the most iconic Rolex Submariner and one of the most attractive Rolex vintage references.
This lot, preserved in honest condition, presented for the first time to the market on behalf of the family of the original owner and adorned by a superb tropical dial, is a truly exceptional opportunity to add a grail piece to any serious collection.