ROLEX | SUBMARINER, REF 6536/1 STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETCIRCA 1957

Dial: black lacquerCalibre: cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewelsMovement number: 746'446Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and backCase number: 306'444Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster elastic bracelet and folding claspDimensions: 38mm, bracelet circumference approx. 170mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: none

DIAL: in good condition with a homogeneous patina throughout. Gilt writing in good condition and lumes react under UV-Light.. CASE: with scuffs and marks consistent with the age and wear of the timepiece. Minor polishing to the case. Inside case back stamped for 1957. Case numbers crisp between the lugs. With a break to the bezel insert at 12 o'clock. Bezel is fixed and does not turn, insert seems to have been glued to the bezel, with traces of glue throughout. With a diagonal mark throughout the plexiglas between 10 and 4 o'clock. MOVEMENT: working at time of cataloguing. Bracelet: dated 3/68, refs 6636/80 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."

It is fair to say that this a watch that tells more than simply the time. Lt Cmdr O.M de Las Casas LVO OBE was twice mentioned in Despatches for his wartime naval service in the South China Sea. He survived the sinking of HMS Repulse and also served on HMS Vanguard. He would proudly tell friends that his first Rolex watch survived the war with him - although he had to have it repaired as it wasn't waterproof. After WWII he continued in diplomatic service, first in Malta and later for two decades as ADC to the governors of Jersey. He continued to pursue his passion for boats and the sea. This Rolex Submariner reference 6536 was the logical, waterproof, successor for his wartime watch considering he remained an active man and mariner. He wore it proudly for many decades.