ROLEX | SUBMARINER 'BIG CROWN', REFERENCE 6538, A STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH FOUR LINE DIAL AND BRACELET, CIRCA 1958 | 勞力士 | "Submariner 'Big Crown' 型號6538 精鋼鏈帶腕錶，備 Four Line 錶盤，錶殼編號426363，約1958年製"

Produced shortly after the first Rolex Submariner, the reference 6538 exemplifies the extraordinary legacy of the renowned diving tool watch. Known colloquially as the ‘James Bond Submariner’, the spotlight was thrusted on this reference after appearing as the titular hero’s choice of accessory in the three iconic films acted by Sean Connery in the 1960s.

Beyond its imprint on popular culture, the reference 6538 also embodies the history of the heritage brand. In production for only a few years, this Submariner model is characterised by its lack of crown guards and its unusually big 8 mm Brevet crown which would have accommodated wetsuit-wearing military divers in the 1950s. As a result, the reference 6538 is affectionately known as the ‘Big Crown’.

With this present example, another fascinating detail can be found in the four-line text: the dial displays the silvered ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’ indication, contrasting the slightly-bronzed Submariner signature above. The dial of this present example has aged finely, with its creamy pumpkin radium lumes and Mercedes short-style hands juxtaposing the glossy-lacquer black dial. Reflecting the adventures voyaged by the wearer, some of the details ripen over the course of time, rendering the timepiece as unique in its own way. Adding sophistication, the case is complemented by the later-dated Jubilee bracelet originally designed for the Rolex Datejust. Furthermore, the bidirectional-rotating bezel includes markers between 1 and 15 minutes and a vibrant red triangle.

Associated with the glamour of the silver screen and the practicality of a tool watch, the reference 6538 has cemented its place within the rich lineage of the Rolex Submariner. Coupled with an increasingly sought-after vintage watch market and low production numbers, this auction presents an exclusive opportunity to collect an incredibly rare timepiece. The watch is furthermore offered in very original and striking condition.