Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...

New York, Oct 17, 2008

LOT 59

Ref. 6538, James Bond Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual, 200m/660 ft, Submariner,? Ref. 6538. Made in 1957. Very fine and rare, center seconds, self-winding,water-resistant, stainless steel diver'swristwatchwith a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet.

USD 60,000 - 90,000

EUR 42,000 - 65,000 / CHF 67,000 - 100,000

Sold: USD 56,400

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screw-down case back and large crown (8 mm), black graduated bidirectional bezel for the decompression times. D. Black with luminous round, triangular and baton indexes, outer minute track. Luminous yellow skeleton hands. M. Cal. 1030, rhodium-plated, 25 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions and temperature, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 38 mm. Thickness 14 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-8-01

Good

Slightly scratched

HANDS Original

Notes

As with all Rolex watches, the Submariner was constantly being improved, and so by late 1955 the ref. 6204 was fitted with the innovative Caliber 1030 movement (in which the rotor wound in both directions) and renumbered as ref. 6538. The 6538 was produced from 1955 -1959. The production of this model for the first two years was not C.O.S.C. chronometer certified and thereafter was produced with the "Officially Certified Chronometer" on its dial. In 1962, Sean Connery was introduced as James Bond in Dr. No, and it is believed that Mr. Connery wore the Rolex ref. 6538 on his wrist. Many collectors therefore regard it as the only true "James Bond" Submariner. Italian collectors also call this reference "Coroncione" which translates as "large crown".