ROLEX | SUBMARINER SMALL CROWN, REFERENCE 6536 STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH TROPICAL DIAL AND BRACELET CIRCA 1959

Dial: brown, tropical Calibre: cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewels Movement number: N’893’617 Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and back Case number: 399’228 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

DIAL: with even brown patination and craquelure throughout. Luminescent material on the indexes with heavy patination and discoloration, but without any noticeable losses. Hands with signs of oxidization and minor signs of pitting. Luminescent material in hands intact and evenly patinated and matching the discoloration of the indexes. CASE: in overall good condition, with some light marks throughout. Light signs of polishing. Bezel with some scuffs and marks and signs of discoloration throughout, very noticeable at 12 o'clock marker. Bracelet: stamped 1/69, 80 endlinks MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing. Please note that the movement has not been tested for 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."

Like the Reference 6538, the Submariner 6536 stands among some of the most important and desirable Rolex models ever produced.
Likewise, the two references are so similar, that they are both often nicknamed the ‘James Bond’  although strictly speaking the 6536 never appeared in the film. Pre-dating the introduction of crown guards, the 6536 is characterised by its thinner profile and small crown.
At first glance, one will immediately be captivated by the deep brown tropical patina the dial has turned to over time. It has been preserved in excellent condition and now has a most attractive light spider web surface thanks to the natural ageing of the lacquer. Adding even more character to the piece, the surface of the dial plays very nicely with the light and changes hue depending on the angle.
The impressive dial is beautifully highlighted by the faded red triangle bezel. 
This timepiece is an extremely desirable piece for a collector looking to acquire a special early Submariner.