Rolex

• jeweled automatic movement • black gloss dial, luminescent triangle, baton and dot indexes, gilt tracking and printing, gilt Mercedes-style hands • black rotating bezel calibrated for minutes with dots and Arabic 10-minute intervals, red triangle at 12 o'clock, screw back and screw down crown • case, dial and movement signed

The movement is running, however we recommend service soon. The movement is numbered 03428. The black gloss dial appears to be in nice, but aged condition. There are spots and signs of age to the botton half, possibly where moisture has gotten in and reacted with the gloss paint. This leads to a speckled look, particularly to the lower left quadrant, however it is rather appealing. The luminescent paint to the hands and indexes matches nicely, suggesting it is all original, or re-done nicely. The case shows general wear throughout. The bezel insert if worn and some of the paint is coming off of the edges and the red triangle. The back shows general wear and scuffs. The numbers between the lugs are 952012 and 6202; inside the case, the numbers are 6202 and I.54 as well as 18. It appears the rotor has created a groove in the inside of the back. Overall this is a very nice watch in very nice condition with a good overall look.
"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. 6202, was released in 1953 and was first marketed as a watch intended for air travelers as it was easy to use the rotating bezel for timing functions. The model was ultimately pulled from production in the early 1960s, as it was seen as redundant when compared to the timing and diving abilities of the Submariner and the GMT-Master lines, both of which were more popular.

For more information on this reference, see Skeet, M. & Urul, N., Vintage Rolex Sports Models, pp. 100-101 and for an illustration of a similar model, see p. 104.