Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 10, 2013

LOT 577

ROLEX REF 6204 - SUB-AQUA - TROPICAL DIAL Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual," case No. 988929, Ref. 6204. Made in 1954. Fine and very rare, center seconds, self-winding, stainless steel wristwatch with a stainless steel riveted Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by the original guarantee (now void).

CHF 13,000 - 18,000

HKD 105,000 - 150,000 / USD 14,000 - 20,000

Sold: CHF 43,750

Three body, polished and brushed, screwed case back and crown, graduated bi-directional revolving bezel. Black with painted luminous baton, triangular and round indexes, outer minute/ seconds track. Luminous steel baton hands. 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.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-6-01

Very good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

DIAM. 37 mm. THICKNESS 13 mm. 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. The word Sub-Aqua was most likely used due to one of the most famous recreational diving clubs at the time "the British Sub-Acqua club"(BSAC) that was founded in 1953 coinciding with the development of early Submariners for this specific use. The Sub-Aqua is probably one of the rarest early Submariners and to our knowledge only 3 other examples have surfaced on the market. This example still with its original pencil shaped hands and the lollipop second hand combined with a pleasing brown patina on the dial, has to be the holy grail of Submariners. It is also interesting to note that other examples of 6204 sold by Antiquorum usually fall within a couple hundred of serial numbers from one another indicating a very small production run.