Important Watches: Part II

Important Watches: Part II

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 297. Submariner 'Small Crown James Bond', Reference 6536/1 | A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet | Circa 1957.

Rolex

Submariner 'Small Crown James Bond', Reference 6536/1 | A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet | Circa 1957

Lot Closed

November 7, 12:36 PM GMT

Estimate

12,000 - 18,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Rolex


Submariner 'Small Crown James Bond', Reference 6536/1

A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet 

Circa 1957


Dial: black

Calibre: cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewels

Movement number: N’690’233

Case: stainless steel, screw-down back

Case number: 229’711

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 175 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Box: no

Papers: no

Accessories: none

The Rolex Submariner reference 6536 was introduced in 1956, or three years after the launch of the legendary divers’ wristwatch. It was produced between 1956 and 1958. 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 100 m water-resistance as well as a thin case, borrowed from the early 6205.


The Submariner reference 6536/1 was issued in three consecutive updates, which can be differentiated mainly by the bezel type and hands. The first iteration would bear a no-hash bezel in addition to a large white lollipop white seconds hand. The second iteration saw the introduction of the red triangle to its non-hash bezel as well as the fitting of a smaller lollipop seconds hand. Finally, the last iteration of the 6536/1 unveiled the hash markings to the bezel between 0 and 15 minutes, even if some examples do not bear the red triangle.

The present example is part of the last update. It has a hash bezel with the white triangle and still retains its original gilt hands.


This extremely collectable timepiece is a must in any vintage collection and remains an important piece in the development of the Submariner linage.