Rolex

• cal. 1030 nickel lever movement, mono-metallic compensation balance, 25 jewels, precision regulator, adjusted to 5 positions and temperature • aged-black-to-brown matte dial, luminescent triangle, dot and baton indexes, gilt minutes tracking and printing, gilt luminescent Mercedes-style hands, sweep center seconds • tonneau water-resistant-type case with rotating black bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw-down crown and screw back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster stretch bracelet and deployant clasp

The movement is running, however we recommend service soon. The movement is stamped 1030 and DN679929. The dial has aged beautifully and is now a warm brownish-black. The hands and luminescent indexes have also aged and discolored well. The index at 6 o'clock is slightly green and was possibly re-painted at some point in the past. Overall, the dial is beautiful. The case shows general wear throughout. The bezel has some scratches and marks throughout, particularly between 55 and 10 and also again at 30. The pear at 12 has come off. There are general scuffs throughout. The numbers between the lugs read 155829 and 6536/1. Inside the back is stamped 6536/1 and II.56 and the bracelet is stamped 1 57 and the ends are numbered 65.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

This model, Ref. 6536/1 was first released in 1956 and was an improvement on its predecessor, the Ref. 6536, as it featured a chronometer-grade cal. 1030 movement.

The present example has an older-style bezel, without a red triangle at 12 o'clock, but features gilt printing throughout the dial. For this reason, it can be assumed that the watch is a 'transitional' model. Made in the first year this model was produced, the present example carries some of the qualities of the old 6536 and some of the traits of the later 6536/1.

It is one of the most recognizable of the so-called 'James Bond' Submariners. The nickname comes from the fact that Submariner models without crown guards were frequently used in the Bond movies. Today any Submariner without crown guards is referred to as a 'James Bond' model.

For a similar example, see Skeet, M. & Urul, N., Vintage Rolex Sports Models, p. 30.

For another James Bond model, the Ref. 6538, the so-called 'Big Crown James Bond,' see lot 128 in this sale.