Revolution: The Evolution of the Role...
New York, Apr 17, 2008
LOT 154
Submariner Ref. 6204, ?Blackout? Rolex, ?Oyster, Perpetual", Ref. 6204. Made in 1953. Fine and rare center seconds, self-winding, stainless steel wristwatch with graduated black bezel. Accompanied by correspondence exchanged between Rolex and the original owner.
USD 35,000 - 45,000
EUR 23,000 - 30,000
Sold: USD 50,400
C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed case back and crown, graduated bi-directional revolving bezel. D. Black with luminous indexes. Luminous skeletonized hands. M. Cal. A260, 9 3/4???, rhodium-plated, 19 jewels, lever escapement, Superbalance, shockabsorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 37 mm. Thickness 13 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-6-01 |
Good Slightly oxidized HANDS Original |
Notes
The present watch is featured on p. 261 of ?The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches? by Dowling and Hess. ?The very first 200 or so 6204 Submariners had the model name obscured by a block of black paint; this was because Rolex did not, at that time, have the rights to the name. These original Submariners were rated as being waterproof to 300 feet, not the 100 meters we are used to seeing.? (see p. 255).
The present watch is accompanied by letters from the original owner confirming that the watch was received directly from Rolex USA with the word ?Submariner? blacked out: ?In 1954 our Scuba diving club, the Chicago Submariners, was contacted by The Fair Department Store located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to put on a 2 day summer Scuba diving demonstration and promotion for the store. This would take place outside the store and in a large portable swimming pool. This was a voluntary offer and no money was to be paid. Since our diving club was just formed in 1954 we felt it would be a good opportunity to promote the sport and our club. Two members volunteered, me and another. We contacted diving equipment manufactures for complimentary samples we would show off and/or wear at the event. This included the Rolex Watch Company New York office. We received sample wet diving suits, flippers, spear guns and the above Rolex watch on loan. After the event was over I purchased the Rolex watch and kept it.? This explains the double stamping seen in the caseback to further reinforce the fact that the watch was Rolex property before being purchased by the owner.