Rolex

• nickel lever movement, mono-metallic compensation balance, precision regulator •  black dial, luminescent triangle and baton indexes, with Arabic 3, 6, 9, gilt minute tracking and printing, gilt luminescent Mercedes-style hands, sweep center seconds • tonneau water-resistant-type case with rotating black bezel calibrated for 60 units, featuring red triangle at 12 o'clock, large screw-down crown and screw back • case, dial, movement and bracelet signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster rivetted bracelet with deployant clasp

The movement is running, however we recommend service soon. It is numbered H98049 and 12512. The dial has some spotting and aging, however it looks very nice. The luminescent paint has aged at a standard level on all of the numerals. The hands have been replaced and the luminescent paint on them is not original. The case shows general wear and surface scuffs. The bezel is not original, as discussed in the catalogue note and is the bezel for the Milgauss Ref. 6541. The inside of the case back is stamped 6200; the numbers between the lugs are 6200. The case serial number appears to have been rubbed out and re-engraved. The number currently between the lugs there is 32021. The bracelet is very long and slightly stretched. It is numbered 4 62 and 80 on the ends.
"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."

With the rise of sport watches used for underwater activities, including scuba diving, surfing and fishing, Rolex responded to market demands by introducing the Submariner at the Basel Fair in 1953.

The present model, Ref. 6200, was the first Submariner model that Rolex produced. It was launched in 1953 as was initially rated for a depth of 200m or 660ft. The model is most clearly defined by its unusual dial with Arabic 3, 6 and 9 - sometimes called an 'Explorer' dial - and wider triangle at 12 o'clock.

It featured a thicker profile, compared to other Submariner models of the same period, a domed back to account for the movement's rotor and a rotating bezel calibrated for 60 units.

The present example is rather unusual in that it features the word 'Submariner', which was not normally printed on dials from this reference. The model name was not standardized until the subsequent model, Ref. 6204. The dial is also signed 'Officially Certified Chronometer', which is another unusual feature not normally seen on this model.

The present example features a bezel that was most likely intended for a Milgauss, Ref. 6541, and gilt hands that were probably intended for a Submariner, Ref. 6536. It can be assumed that these parts were changed during service at some point after the original sale.

For more information on this model and on the Submariner family of watches see Skeet, M. & Urul, N. Vintage Rolex Sports Models, pp. 20-25. For a similar example, see p. 26 of the same text.