ROLEX | SUBMARINER "BIG CROWN FOUR LINE", REFERENCE 6538A STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH GILT DIAL AND BIG LOGO BRACELET, CIRCA 1957

Dial: black gilt Calibre: cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewels Movement number: N724256  Case: stainless steel case, screw down case back Case number: 307'167 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp Size: 37 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm Signed: case, dial and movement

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial is in very attractive and original condition. There is a minor spot to the right of the Rolex signature to the centre and another spot over the meter depth rating. The lumes have aged consistently throughout and now a warm pumpkin colour. The 6 o'clock is a different shade which is intended by Rolex. All lumes are still reacting under UV. The hands are oxidized and the seconds hand with minor loss to the centre. The case is very crisp and have very sharp bevel edges. There is surface wear throughout which is consistent with the age of the watch. The insert with minor surface wear throughout and still retains its red triangle. The numbers between the lugs are crisp and easy to read. There is a watchmaker's service marks between the lugs at 6 o'lock. The case back with light surface wear which is consistent with age. The case back with crisp milled edge. The inside of the case is stamped III.57. There is pitting underneath the lug at 11 o'clock and further pitting to the case towards outer rim underneath the case back. The bracelet has the Big Logo and is stamped 1.60. The bracelet with light surface wear. Overall a very attractive vintage Big Crown with immense amount of character. 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."

The watch above, the Rolex reference 6538 Big Crown Submariner, typifies the desires of today's market. Produced from 1955, the 6538 became the newest member in what was to become the most famous lineage of wristwatches ever made. This particular example, stamped 'III.57' to the inside case back, was manufactured in the third quarter of 1957. 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, and now, predecessor. It is set apart also by its slightly thinner case, made possible by the introduction of a new calibre, calibre 1030.

The dial is elevated by four lines of text, as opposed to the more common two, above the index at 6 o'clock – the four lines utilise three different typefaces and, importantly, three 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. The case is very crisp with very sharp beveled edges. The insert still retains its red triangle and pearl. The watch is a highly charismatic example with exceptional character throughout.