ROLEX | FINE AND RARE STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELETREF 6538 CASE 307156 SUBMARINER "BIG CROWN" CIRCA 1957

Movement: cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw-drown crown and case backBracelet/Clasp/Buckle: stainless steel Rolex bracelet and folding claspSize: 38 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximatively 178 mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex presentation box 

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The crystal with minor surface wear at 5 and 10 o'clock. The dial is nice and original and has a very deep black lacquer. The lume plots have aged significantly and matched the hands, still fluress under the black light. When tilted, one can see very minor aging to the lacquer in the form of lines. The insert has a lot of character and is original with red tip. There is wear and losses to the insert throughout but this is consistent with the age of the watch. The bevels are very defined to the edges of the case and the case is in very original and excellent overall condition. The case has minor and general wear throughout but that is consistent with the age of the watch. The case back with minor wear toward the center and the millings remains very sharp; inside case back stamped, 6538, 111.57. The bracelet with signs of polishing and is slightly stretched. The end links is stamped "65" and the folding clasped is stamped "4, 57". Overall this is a highly charismatic and original example in very nice condition.
"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."

The reference 6538 was in production from the year 1954 to 1959. The watch guarantees waterproof to a depth of 200 meters as stated on the dial. Although with only a short production time of 5 years, different variations of the dial have been spotted by collectors and the rarest of such dials would probably be the explorer dial with a red meter line. Reference 6538 is also one of the most sought after submariner models as it was also worn by Sean Connery in the movie Dr. No. This Big Crown reference 6538 is in very original overall condition with a nice gilt dial and lumes that have aged to a very rich orange. The insert is original and is in very attractive condition. The case is nice and crisp with very sharp bevelled edges. The inside of the case back is stamped 3.57 and the outside with a very crisp milled edge. The bracelet is also stamped for the last quarter of 1957. The watch is very attractive and original overall.