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Lot Essay
Rolex launched the first model of the famed Submariner in 1953. Originally promoted as "the diver's friend", the Submariner soon became the world's most legendary tool watch.
The reference 6538, the successor of the first Submariner model ref. 6204, was launched in 1959 and stands as the first watch to be rated at 660 feet or 200 meters. This model is often referred to as the "James Bond" Submariner as the references 5510, 6200 and 6538 appeared in the Bond films, such as Dr. No and Goldfinger, as worn by Sean Connery. Collectors today often refer to any Submariner without a crown guard as a James Bond model.
The model is illustrated in Mondani, G. & Ravagnani, L., Rolex Submariner, pp. 90 & 91.
The reference 6538, the successor of the first Submariner model ref. 6204, was launched in 1959 and stands as the first watch to be rated at 660 feet or 200 meters. This model is often referred to as the "James Bond" Submariner as the references 5510, 6200 and 6538 appeared in the Bond films, such as Dr. No and Goldfinger, as worn by Sean Connery. Collectors today often refer to any Submariner without a crown guard as a James Bond model.
The model is illustrated in Mondani, G. & Ravagnani, L., Rolex Submariner, pp. 90 & 91.