ROLEX. A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET AND CENTRE SECONDS

Prospective buyers should be aware that the import… Read more

SUBMARINER Introduced at the Basel Watch Fair in 1954, in addition to the features of the Turn-O-Graph, the Submariner was rated to an underwater depth of 600 feet and obviously, the Submariner was marketed to divers. One of Rolex's directors at the time, Rene Jeanneret, was an amateur diver and took part in the design in relation to horology and diving. Committed to SCUBA diving, by 1961 Rolex enclosed a diver's handbook with the purchase of a Submariner. The first model, reference 6204, was produced for barely two years when it was replaced by a newer model, the reference 6538 that could now withstand a depth of 660 feet. An entry model also existed as the 6536, and could only test to 330 feet. The early models were succeeded by an updated reference 6538 with a larger case, bezel markings, a red triangle at 12 o'clock, the new "Triplock" crown and the certification as an "Officially Certified Chronometer". By 1959 a new model was released, the reference 5512. Herein the case featured protective shoulders and dial printing in white rather than gold with a silver rather than red triangle. The 1680, added both the chronometer and date function to the Submariner. The reference 5513 was an entry model, a non-chronometer adopted by the British military as their official issue watch, with some adaptations of course. By the end of the 1970s the Submariner was fitted with the quick set feature. Then in 1986 the model became the reference 16800 and had a sapphire crystal and a performance at a depth up to 1,000 feet. Only to be replaced in 1989 by the 16610 which though aesthetically identical, feature the new fast beat calibre 3135 and a safety feature on the bezel to insure anti-clockwise rotation.

ROLEX. A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET AND CENTRE SECONDS

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, 100M=330FT SUBMARINER, CASE NO. 763347, REF. 5508, CIRCA 1951

Details

ROLEX. A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET AND CENTRE SECONDS
SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, 100M=330FT SUBMARINER, CASE NO. 763347, REF. 5508, CIRCA 1951

Cal. 1530 nickel-finished lever movement, 25 jewels, mono-metallic balance, the black matte dial with luminous dagger, baton and disc numerals, outer minute divisions, luminous mercedes hands, centre seconds, in tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case with revolving black bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw down crown and screw back, together with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and deployant clasp, case, dial and movement signed
39 mm. diam.

Special notice

Prospective buyers should be aware that the importation of Rolex watches into the United States is highly restricted. Rolex watches may not be shipped into the USA and can only be imported personally. Generally a buyer may import only one watch into the USA. For further information please contact our specialists in charge of the sale. Please note other countries may have comparable import restrictions for luxury watches.

Lot Essay

US$7,500-10,000
EUR5,500-7,300

In the movies Dr. No and Goldfinger, Sean Connery alias James Bond was seen wearing a Rolex Submariner. Since then, the early Submariner models without crown guards are known among collectors as the "James Bond" models.

More from Important Watches

View All