Rolex

• cal. 1530 lever movement, 25 jewels •  black dial, luminescent triangular, dot and baton indexes, gilt luminescent Mercedes hands, gilt writing • stainless steel Oyster case with screw-down crown and back, rotating bezel calibrated for 60 units • case, dial and movement signed • stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp

The movement running at the time of cataloguing. The case still retaining good proportions, still with defined bevels, more polished to the upper right lug as often the case. Case with scuffs and scratches throughout due to age and use, some more important ones to the upper right and lower left parts of the band. The faded bezel probably slightly restored and not rotating easily, the triangle only red in the lower part of it. The dial in good condition, glowing when under black light, with attractive patina matching the hands, possibly changed as usually this reference has a dial with the depth and submariner written in two different colors. Some cracks to the luminescent material of the hands. The riveted bracelet with scuffs throughout and loose, clasp probably in the past. numbered 1-73. Inside case back of the watch stamped 5510 1.1958 The case number between the lugs not easy to read as partly erased by the bracelet over the time. The stain above the "E" of Rolex in the picture is NOT on the watch. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of the time keeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service might be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

When it comes to collecting vintage Rolex pieces, the 5510 "coroncione" ("big crown" in Italian) is amongst the most sought-after references.
Only produced during a very short period around 1958, this "James Bond" watch is easily identified through its big "Brevet" crown, the absence of crown guards, the bezel with a red triangle and the masculine proportions of the lugs.
The present lot gathers all these most attractive characteristics and is fitted with a black dial with gilt writing as opposed to the usual depth and Submariner in two different colours. One explanation might be that the dial was replaced in the early sixties. Nonetheless, there is no evidence of it and the inside case back isn't engraved with any watchmaker mark, suggesting that the piece was well-preserved over the sixty years of its existence.