ROLEX | Submariner, Ref. 6538, A Stainless Steel Wristwatch with 4-Line “Tropical” Dial and Bracelet, Circa 1958
ROLEX
Submariner, Ref. 6538
A Stainless Steel Wristwatch with 4-Line “Tropical” Dial and Bracelet, Circa 1958
Dial: black
Caliber: Cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw-down back
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Dimensions: 37 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Case numbers: ref. 6538 / serial: 383796
Introduced in 1955, the Submariner 6538 brought with it a new Caliber 1030 movement, a slightly thinner case, more beveled lugs, and a larger 8mm winding crown. Due to the oversized crown, the 6538 is known as a “Big Crown” Submariner. Another important nickname of the Submariner 6538 is the “James Bond Submariner” thanks to its appearance on Sean Connery’s wrist in the 1962 film, Dr. No. While all Submariner 6538 watches are highly sought-after by vintage watch collectors, this particular version is especially rare because of the four lines of text on its remarkably “Tropical” dial, which indicates that this version is COSC-certified (compared to the two-line Submariner 6538 models which are not). In fact, the 6538 was the first Submariner to feature the chronometer certification on the dial, making 4-line variants - particularly those like this example with different color printing - extremely sought-after among collectors. The dial on this ref. 6538 has faded to a bright warm brown color, and the watch still has its original “Red Triangle” bezel insert. Rolex ceased production of the 6538 in 1959, and this breathtaking example is an incredibly rare variation of an already highly collectable vintage Rolex Submariner reference.
Condition Report:
This ref. 6538 “Big Crown” Submariner dates back to approximately 1958. The original 4-Line dial with chronometer certification text has faded to a bright “Tropical” brown color and displays slight crazing and minor signs of age; however all luminous hour markers remain intact. The case of the watch is free from significant marks and scratches. S
otheby’s Watches Department is pleased to offer Condition Reports to potential purchasers. A Condition Report is an opinion describing the lot in more detail with regard to, but not limited to the general condition, quality of the watches and/or other relevant information.
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ROLEX
Submariner, Ref. 6538
A Stainless Steel Wristwatch with 4-Line “Tropical” Dial and Bracelet, Circa 1958
Dial: black
Caliber: Cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw-down back
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Dimensions: 37 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Case numbers: ref. 6538 / serial: 383796
Introduced in 1955, the Submariner 6538 brought with it a new Caliber 1030 movement, a slightly thinner case, more beveled lugs, and a larger 8mm winding crown. Due to the oversized crown, the 6538 is known as a “Big Crown” Submariner. Another important nickname of the Submariner 6538 is the “James Bond Submariner” thanks to its appearance on Sean Connery’s wrist in the 1962 film, Dr. No. While all Submariner 6538 watches are highly sought-after by vintage watch collectors, this particular version is especially rare because of the four lines of text on its remarkably “Tropical” dial, which indicates that this version is COSC-certified (compared to the two-line Submariner 6538 models which are not). In fact, the 6538 was the first Submariner to feature the chronometer certification on the dial, making 4-line variants - particularly those like this example with different color printing - extremely sought-after among collectors. The dial on this ref. 6538 has faded to a bright warm brown color, and the watch still has its original “Red Triangle” bezel insert. Rolex ceased production of the 6538 in 1959, and this breathtaking example is an incredibly rare variation of an already highly collectable vintage Rolex Submariner reference.
Condition Report:
This ref. 6538 “Big Crown” Submariner dates back to approximately 1958. The original 4-Line dial with chronometer certification text has faded to a bright “Tropical” brown color and displays slight crazing and minor signs of age; however all luminous hour markers remain intact. The case of the watch is free from significant marks and scratches. S
otheby’s Watches Department is pleased to offer Condition Reports to potential purchasers. A Condition Report is an opinion describing the lot in more detail with regard to, but not limited to the general condition, quality of the watches and/or other relevant information.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
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