Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 21, 2021
LOT 345
Rolex
Ref. 6538, self-winding, centre-seconds; “Submariner socalled “James Bond”; stainless steel
Ref. 6538, self-winding, centre-seconds; “Submariner socalled “James Bond”; stainless steel
EUR 15,000 - 25,000
USD 17,900 - 29,700 / HKD 140,000 - 232,000
Sold: EUR 35,100
Fine and very rare, stainless steel, self-winding, tonneau-shaped, diver’s wristwatch, black “service” dial, with centre-seconds and big crown.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-54-01 |
Very good Service dial HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Model “Submariner”, so-called “James Bond”
Reference 6538
Year 1959
Movement No. N 732 417
Case No. 449 281
Bracelet Nato strap
Diameter 38 mm
Caliber 1030
Signature dial, case and movement
Notes
The history that unites Rolex and the conquest of the ocean depth dates back to 1926 when Mercedes Gleizé swam across the English Channel with a Rolex Oyster Perpetual (with a bezel, crown and case back screw-down), the first water-resistant wristwatch. Born in 1953, the Submariner, at this time, is water-resistant up to 100 metres.
The first models with no crown guards are called "James Bond", like the reference 6538 immortalized on the wrist of 007, Sean Connery, in the film Dr No and Goldfinger. There are two types of Rolex "James Bond" depending on the size of the crown, small or big. The 6538 worn by 007 is a "big crown", which makes it the most popular among collectors
The first models with no crown guards are called "James Bond", like the reference 6538 immortalized on the wrist of 007, Sean Connery, in the film Dr No and Goldfinger. There are two types of Rolex "James Bond" depending on the size of the crown, small or big. The 6538 worn by 007 is a "big crown", which makes it the most popular among collectors