ROLEX | 'FOUR LINE BIG CROWN' SUBMARINER, REF 6538STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH TROPICAL DIALCIRCA 1959

Dial: black lacquerCalibre: cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewelsMovement number: N'856'604Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and backCase number: 449'050Closure: stainless steel Rolex buckleDimensions: 38mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. CASE: the case in very good and attractive original condition. There is surface wear throughout which can be seen without a loup however the bevels to the sides of the case are still visible and present. There is a crisp milled edge to the case back and some minor wear underneath the lugs, There is some minor pitting to the inside of the case underneath the case back and to the outer edges of the case back itself, the inside of the case back is stamped II.59, minor wear between the lugs but the case number and reference number still visible. Bezel rotating, the insert with wear, slight chipping to the inner and outer most edges, minor scratching throughout the insert larger scratch between 20 and 30. DIAL: aged taking on a brown patination, the lacquer has cracked creating an very pleasing aesthetic. Colour not consistent, but lighter in some areas and darker in others. the hands maybe replaced at service in the past. The lume intact having aged and taking on a consistent and attractive patina, The lumes do react under UV-Light but are a little discolored. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may 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."

In the world of vintage watches the most minute of details can make a vast difference in the collectability of a piece. While the majority of the top tier watches display one or two characteristics that set them apart from the rest, it is rare to find examples that combine so many of the attributes that collectors covet, such as those to be found in the present lot for example. The watch above, the Rolex reference 6538 Big Crown Submariner, typifies the desires of today’s market. Produced from 1955, the 6538 became a new member in what was to become the most famous lineage of wristwatches ever made. This particular example, stamped ‘II.59’ to the inside case back, was manufactured in the second quarter of 1959, interestingly the same year the model was discontinued.

The reference, as its nickname suggests, is famous for its iconic 8mm Brevet crown, un-flanked by crown guards, making it instantly recognisable as a vintage reference and yet easily discernible from the other iterations of Submariner to which it was successor. It is set apart also by its slightly thinner case, made possible by the introduction of a new calibre, calibre 1030. Its fame was further increased by its appearance on the wrist of Sean Connery in the first James Bond blockbuster, Dr No. It would seem then that very little could be done to boost the desirability of such a watch, but this piece manages to do just that.

Originally gloss black, the dial has with age, helped along no doubt by the sun and the presence of Radium, taken on a brown patina of varying shades; darker towards the outermost edge, fading then to light and then finally darkening once more toward the centre. The effect is almost that of a halo that engulfs the indexes and follows the hands around the dial. In addition to this, the lacquer, once smooth, has cracked producing what is known by vintage watch enthusiasts as a ‘Spider Dial’. This name, alluding to the effect’s similarity with a cobweb, does less justice to this piece as the dial’s colour makes it more akin to a tobacco leaf; an arguably more fitting comparison and, perhaps, one far better suited to a watch donning the wrist of 007.

The dial is then further elevated by four lines of text, as opposed to the more common two, above the index at 6 o’clock –

What is more, the four lines utilise three different typefaces and, importantly, 3 different colours. The depth rating is printed in white, 'Submariner' is gilt (in the same fashion as the Rolex Coronet or the outer minute track) and the Officially Certified Chronometer printed in a grey hue.

Given the combination of the above features, the present lot is guaranteed to be revered by experienced collectors and novices alike. All in all the lot above offers an incredibly scarce opportunity to purchase a watch that is without question aesthetically unique and horologically important.

Retained in very original condition, with original insert, the case is retaining its beveled edges and is really a spectacular example.