Important Watches: Part I

Important Watches: Part I

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 35. 'James Bond Small Crown' Submariner, Ref. 6536/1 Stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet Circa 1955 | 勞力士6536/1型號「'James Bond Small Crown' Submariner」精鋼鍊帶腕錶,年份約1955.

Property of the family of the original owner

Rolex

'James Bond Small Crown' Submariner, Ref. 6536/1 Stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet Circa 1955 | 勞力士6536/1型號「'James Bond Small Crown' Submariner」精鋼鍊帶腕錶,年份約1955

Auction Closed

May 11, 01:00 PM GMT

Estimate

20,000 - 35,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Property of the family of the original owner

Rolex

'James Bond Small Crown' Submariner, Ref. 6536/1

Stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet

Circa 1955

勞力士6536/1型號「'James Bond Small Crown' Submariner」精鋼鍊帶腕錶,年份約1955


Dial: black

Calibre: cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewels

Movement number: N'574'096

Case: stainless steel, screw-down back

Case number: 112'256

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet and folding clasp

Dimensions: 37.5 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Box: no

Papers: no  

Accessories: none

Playing testimony to the dynamic evolution of the Rolex Submariner, the Reference 6536 reflects the zeitgeist of the exploration culture in the 1950s, encapsulating ideas of modernity, innovation and functionality.

This model is one of the most important and desirable Rolex watches ever produced. It was introduced in 1955, only two years after the launch of the legendary divers’ wristwatch. As demonstrated by the date stamped inside its caseback (“4 55”), the present lot is an early example and was produced during the 4th quarter of the year the model was introduced. The reference’s production began during the late manufacturing of the reference 6200 and was produced alongside its sister reference, the ‘Big Crown’ 6538. The reference 6536 boasts a 100m water-resistance as well as a thin case, borrowed from the early 6205.


Associated with the series of ‘James Bond’ Rolex Submariners, the reference 6536 is also fondly known as the ‘Small Crown’ because of its 6 mm winding crown which stands out with the absence of crown guards, providing an elegant touch to the world famous tool watch.


This present example of the Reference 6536 displays nicely patinated radium indexes which contrast with the glossy black dial. Another intriguing detail can be found in the gilt Swiss only two-line dial, with the silvered 100m depth indication and the golden Submariner signature contrasting underneath.

While the present watch was used and enjoyed by its original owner as it was meant to, the case still retains good proportions. Unlike most of the Submariners, it is fitted on a Jubilee bracelet, stamped for 1960, offering an appealing combination to this specimen.


This piece was until today unknown to the market. It was kept with the family of the original owner, an English gentleman who, interestingly, was part of the creative team of one of the biggest TV shows of its time: “Z Cars”, the famous police series produced by the BBC between 1962 and 1978.