Important Collectors Wristwatches, P...
Geneva, Nov 16, 2008
LOT 228
Ref. 6538, James Bond Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual, 200m/660 ft, Submariner,? Ref. 6538. Made in 1956, sold on February 24th, 1959. Very fine and rare, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel diver's wristwatch with a stainless steel Rolex riveted Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by the original guarantee (now void) and a Rolex ?Oyster? box.
CHF 55,000 - 75,000
USD 50,000 - 70,000 / EUR 35,000 - 47,000
Sold: CHF 58,800
C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screw-down case back and large ?brevet? crown (8 mm), black graduated bidirectional bezel for the decompression times. D. Matte black with luminous round, triangular and baton indexes, outer gilt minute track. Luminous 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 blued Breguet balance spring, index regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 38 mm. Thickness 16 mm. Approx. overall length 190 mm.
| 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".