Launched in 1955, there are few watches that are as iconic as the Submariner Big Crown. Popularised by Sean Connery in Dr No (1962) the watch held a visible and important part of the movie. Furthermore these were times were diving as a hobby was enjoying tremendous growth and most manufactures of the times were creating dive watches for recreational rather than military only use. Rolex was, already a pioneer in that field by supplying Panerai with their movements back in the 1930’s already and the 6538, although not their first Submariner, is probably amongst the most collectible. Housed in a great 38 mm case, featuring no crown-guards yet, and what became its name, a large 8mm winding crown. Often found in average condition due to heavy use and water infiltration, this example has a wonderfully well conserved dial with perfectly matching lume to the hands and dial, a well maintained case exhibiting little polish and its original bezel, an excellent collectible timepiece.