Bertolami Fine Art - Riversdell Close 27, KT16 9JW Chertsey
WEB AUCTION 95 - WRISTWATCHES WITH AN IMPORTANT ROLEX COLLECTION SESSIONE UNICA
Tuesday 16 February 2021 hours 14:00 (UTC +01:00)
Rolex Submariner ref 6538 “Big Crown”
Rolex Submariner ref 6538 “Big Crown”
Movement
Automatic cal. 1030
Case
Stainless steel with screw back case, oversized Brevet winding crown, revolving calibrated bezel 37mm.
Dial
Black lacquered, gilt inscription, luminous hour markers and hands
Features
First launched in 1955, reference 6538 is incredibly desirable today due to its rarity, robust proportions, and good looks. The model was in production for four short years and is characterized by its black lacquer "Swiss"-signed dial, lack of crown guards and 8-millimeter crown, hence its name "Big Crown Submariner". Reference 6538 is forever immortalized onscreen, having accompanied Sean Connery’s James Bond on multiple secret missions. Bond’s chosen watch was a "Big Crown" Submariner on the films Dr. No, From Russia with Love, and Goldfinger. Consequently, reference 6538 is today also known as the "James Bond Submariner" to Rolex collectors and scholars.
This example, manufactured in 1955, is an early example produced towards the beginning of the reference's production period. Featuring its original “Big Crown”, the original plain bezel, the case retains the original proportions and bevels.38 mm. Big Crown. Serial: 140.xxx 1955.
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed.