ROLEX | SUBMARINER REF 6536/1A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET CIRCA 1957

Dial: black lacquerCaliber: cal. 1030 automatic movement, 25 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw down crown and backCase number: 306989Closure: stainless steel Rolex rivet bracelet with folding claspDimensions: 37 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mmSigned: case, dial and movement 

Case: The case is in excellent, original overall condition. The lugs remain thick and have crisp beveled edges. The case, in our view, has likely never been polished. There is some minor surface scratching present from seldom wear, and some scratches visible near the lugs holes, most likely from bracelet removal. The bezel is original and in excellent overall condition, and is missing the luminous pearl at 0/60. Dial: The dial is in superb condition, with a wonderful shiny lacquer coating. The graphics and outer track remain crisp and intact. The luminous hour markers and hands have aged to a lovely shade of caramel. The caseback is in very good overall condition, and on the inside is stamped 6536/1 and III.57. Movement: The movement is in excellent overall condition, and has developed a nice patina to the rotor. The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The present lot is an excellent example of an iconic Rolex sports watch, the reference 6536/1. The watch features crisp edges to bezel and crown and finely preserved bevels to the lugs with the whole case exhibiting no evidence of polish. The dial is original and the gilt lettering remains vibrant on the rich glossy black with the 6 o'clock lume remaining slightly lighter than the rest of the plots. Property from the descendants of the original owner, the present 6536/1 is being offered to auction for the first time and provides an opportunity to obtain an example in outstanding original condition.