ROLEX | SUBMARINER "SMALL CROWN FOUR LINE", REFERENCE 6536/1 A STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH TROPICAL GILT DIAL AND BRACELET, CIRCA 1957

Dial: black gilt Calibre: cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewels Movement number: N735663 Case: stainless steel, screw down case back Case number: 306'308 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp Size: 37.5 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 178 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex presentation case

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The present watch is an extremely rare variant of a 6536/1 Small Crown Submariner. The dial is in very well preserved condition and has started the aging process and has a warm brown hue throughout. The scales are all intact. The lumes have aged consistently with each other and are now a pumpkin colour. The lumes are still nice and fluffy with only very minor losses to the top, which can be seen greatest at 11 o'clock. The lumes still react under UV and the 6 o'clock marker is a different shade as intended by Rolex. The hands have been matched to the numerals, however, are service replacement. The case is in exceptional condition with very sharp beveled to the lugs. There is service wear and some dings to the sides of the case, however, this is consistent with the age of the watch. The insert has become faded throughout and is matching the dial. The insert is from a slightly later period than the watch itself as it's lacking the red triangle. The numbers between the lugs are extremely crisp and easy to read. There is some extremely minor pitting to the case underneath the case back. The case back itself with very minor pitting towards the edge but cannot be seen until the back is removed. Inside the case stamped III.57. The outer case back with a very crisp milled edge with some minor signs from opening. The bracelet is stamped 4.57 and with light surface wear throughout. Overall this is an exceptionally pleasing watch with enormous character and rarity. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

Like the Reference 6538 the Submariner Reference 6536/1 takes its place among some of the most important and desirable Rolex models ever produced. So similar are the 6536 and 6538 that it has retained the ‘James Bond’ nickname although it never strictly appeared in a film. Pre-dating the introduction of crown guards, the 6536 is characterised by its thinner profile and small crown, and is recognised as a transitional reference between the earliest examples and the ‘Big Crown’ references. From the construction of the watches in this period it is clear to see that the design was evolving reference by reference, and as such the aesthetic is particularly Bauhaus. It is this perhaps that makes these models so highly sought after by collectors.

This particular example features strong proportions through out the case. The dial too is in wonderful and original condition, and excitingly is starting to change colour, having currently a very deep but rich brown colour. The hands have been changed at service, but their colour has been made to match the indexes therefore not in anyway detracting from its overall aesthetic, the watch is further retaining its original bracelet and stamped for the 4th quarter of 1957.

What elevates this small crown completely are the four lines of text above 6 o'clock, which is extremely rare to find on a 6536/1. This, in addition to its overall condition and stunning aesthetics, render this one of the greatest small crown Rolex Submariners.