Rolex

The Rolex Submariner is arguably one of, if not the most recognizable watch models in history since it joined Rolex’s lineup. While the Submariner is currently known as a luxury timepiece, they were originally designed to be tool watches that fulfilled a specific criteria in order to serve the wearer’s professional or recreational pursuits. 

Created in 1953, the Submariner was the first wristwatch designed specifically for scuba diving. To capitalize on this new sport that at the time was quickly gaining popularity, Rolex dived deep into their waterproofing know-how and technological capabilities to create the first professional dive watch. The current Reference 6204 is one of the earliest models in the Submariner collection that was first created in 1953 and officially launched in 1954 at the Basel Spring Watch Fair. 

The 37 mm case makes it quite compact compared to modern Submariners and is ideal for daily wear. Fitted with a black unidirectional bezel with 5-minute interval markers, luminous hands and indices on the dial, the Reference 6204 along with other early Submariner References 6200 and 6205 laid the foundation for the entire Submariner collection. 

Rolex’s commitment to innovation also meant that they were constantly improving upon existing models and in 1955, the Reference 6204 was replaced by the 6538. The incredibly short production run from 1953 to 1955 coupled with the fact that these watches were made for frequent wear as precision instruments, meant that a 6204 in very good condition is extremely rare today. 

Accompanied by its original box and Guarantee paper, the present Reference 6204 makes for a covetable addition to any Submariner collection due to its historical significance and rarity, and its status as an important cornerstone of Rolex’s reputation for creating timepieces that are not only luxury, but also reliable purpose built tools that accompany their owner on the next adventure.