Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

New York, Dec 08, 2010

LOT 340

Rolex - Ref. 6204 Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual," case No. 988894, Ref. 6204. Made in 1955. Fine and very rare, center seconds, self-winding, stainless steel wristwatch with a stainless steel riveted Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by the original fitted box and guarantee (now void).

USD 15,000 - 20,000

CHF 15,000 - 20,000 / EUR 11,000 - 15,000

Sold: USD 57,500

C. Three body, polished and brushed, screwed case back and crown, graduated bi-directional revolving bezel. D. Black with painted luminous baton, triangular and round indexes, outer minute/ seconds track. Luminous steel baton hands. m. Cal. A260, 9 3/4???, rhodium-plated, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating blued steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 37 mm. Thickness 13 mm. Approx. overall length 200 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Rolex Ref. 6204 Rolex introduced the first ?Submariner? reference 6204 at the 1954 Basel Watch Fair, although production started in 1953. Ref. 6204 was the first Rolex model with ?Submariner? printed on the dial. Not all 6204?s had ?Submariner? printed on the dial, which may have been due to patent issues regarding the name Submariner. The growing popularity of scuba diving at the time created a need for waterproof wristwatches that functioned at significant depths. Ref. 6204 was water-resistant to 600 feet and used Rolex caliber A260 movement in a semi-bubble back case. Ref. 6204 was replaced by the later Submariners, ref. 6538 and ref. 6536.