ROLEX | SUBMARINER REF 6204A STAINLESS STEEL CENTER SECONDS WRISTWATCH CIRCA 1953

Dial: black gilt Caliber: cal. A260 automatic movement, 19 jewels Movement number: 61630 Case: stainless steel, broken bezel, screw down case back Case number:  988613 Dimensions: 37 mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: The present lot is accompanied by an exceptionally preserved collection of U.S. Naval documents issued to the original owner, Joseph Edward Dutton, including identification documents, identification tags, a photograph of the US Naval Training Station dated August 17th, 1943, Navy Training Course Certificates dated February and May, 1944, a Regular Navy and Naval Reserve service record booklet, U.S.S. Little Rock Crossing the Line, 5 November 1945 book edited by LT. J.A. Frank & L.H. Mixter EM3, a Certificate of Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy dated May 4th, 1954, a letter from the Veterans' Administration, and an attestation from the White House signed by President Harry Truman 

Case: The case is in overall fair condition, and in our view, has seen a sympathetic polishing in its past. The bezel is broken, and not attached to the case. The lugs remain thick and well proportioned. Dial: The dial has aged very attractively, and in our view, the clear varnish has been washed off. There is discoloration throughout. The luminous material is still intact. In our view, the second hands was most probably replaced. Movement: The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."

Reference 6204 was released in 1953 but officially launched in 1954 alongside the 6200, with a thinner case and smaller crown than the latter. The present lot is the third version, with a larger Rolex signature and Oyster Perpetual with a small space between the words. The watch’s dial has aged with an attractive loss of the black lacquer, revealing the gilt underneath in a glistening flecked pattern. The lot is also accompanied by a plethora of materials from the original owner, who served in the United States Navy from 1943 until 1954. While these pieces pre-date his ownership of the watch, they provide a window into the history of the person who wore the present lot, likely during his final years of service in the Navy.