ROLEX | SUBMARINER "BIG CROWN", REFERENCE 6538 A STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH TROPICAL DIAL AND BRACELET, CIRCA 1958

Dial: black gilt tropical Calibre: cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewels Movement number: N815711  Case: stainless steel, screw down case back Case number: 383'885 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Size: 37 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Guarantee and presentation box

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial, now tropical, exhibits different shades of brown throughout and is extremely attractive. The dial when held under certain lights, the hour hand has created a circle within the centre of the dial. The scales are intact. The lumes react under UV light, are a little discoloured, however this discolouration is throughout each one. The hands have been replaced during a servicing. The insert with light wear which is consistent with age and the insert still retain correct red triangle. The numbers between the lugs are crisp and easy to read. The case with service wear throughout, which is consistent with age. The lugs still retains its bevel towards the edges. The case back with light surface wear and minor pinhead dings, which is consistent with age. The case back still retains its original stainless steel signature and a very crisp milled edge. Inside the case back is stamped I.1958. The bracelet is stamped 1.69 and has light surface wear throughout. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

The crown of the 6538 is fitted with an 8mm brevet crown, thus giving the model its nickname 'Big Crown' and differentiating it from the reference 6536. The reference has been immortalized in some of the most embematic James Bond movies, appearing prominently in Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, and Thunderball, where Bond, played by Sean Connery, utilizes his Submariner to accomplish his missions. 

Manufactured in 1958, as is indicated by the case number and the dates stamped inside the back of the case, the present watch is a very appealing example. The dial has aged to a rich tropical brown. The case is still retaining nice bevels to the edges and the case back still bears the inscription 'stainless steel' that can be seen under a loupe. The insert is also correct for a 1958 6538 retaining the bright red triangle and pearl that has been nicely kept. The radium lumes to the dial have puffed up evenly and give a nice reading under the Geiger counter. The two lines of text would indicate this 6538 is from the earlier batch of watches. All of these attributes make this Big Crown a very handsome and appealing watch today.