Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Mar 27, 2011

LOT 518

Rolex, Ref. 6538, ?James Bond?. Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual, 200m/660 ft, Submariner?, case No. 449294, Ref.6538. Made in 1959. Very fine and rare, center seconds, self-winding, waterresistant, stainless steel wristwatch.

CHF 25,000 - 40,000

USD 25,000 - 40,000 / EUR 20,000 - 30,000

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and large crown (8 mm), black graduated bi-directional bezel for the decompression times. D. Black with luminous round, triangular and baton indexes, outer minute track. Luminous steel 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 16 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3**

Good

Repair required, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-54-04

Very good

Service dial

HANDS Later

Notes

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".