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Lot Essay
Extremely well-preserved, fresh to market, and from the family of the original owner, the present lot is an outstanding example of an early and coveted 'Big Crown' or 'James Bond' Submariner that is further enhanced by its rare '4-line' black gilt dial.
A staple of serious Rolex collections, Big Crown Submariners are as charismatic and attractive as they are rare. Emerging from the family of the original owner, this watch is a remarkably well-preserved specimen. Instantly noticeable, the original case appears to be unpolished with prominent and thick beveling on the lugs, and the bezel has a bright and distinct red triangle at the top. However, the most notable detail to scholars is the superb "4-liner" chronometer dial. Whereas most examples of the reference 6538 feature only "200m=660ft" and "Submariner" on the dial, the present watch furthermore states "Officially Certified Chronometer" on two more lines. Furthermore, the original white seconds hand adds the perfect and subtle amount of contrast to the watch.
Amazingly, the watch retains its original Rolex Guarantee and sales receipt from 1957. To the pleasure of many collector's, the watch was meticulously inspected, authenticated, and internally serviced by Rolex's Atelier de Restauration department in 2025 who carefully preserved the case, hands, and dial in original condition.
Anecdotally, the watch is accompanied by a previous service receipt dated 1959 by Mr Peter Gluckman, a San Francisco based watchmaker popularly known as the Flying Watchmaker, a talented aviator with ambitious record-setting goals. He famous set around-the-world speed records in a small Meyers 200, single-seater plane (later known as the Aero Commander 200).
A staple of serious Rolex collections, Big Crown Submariners are as charismatic and attractive as they are rare. Emerging from the family of the original owner, this watch is a remarkably well-preserved specimen. Instantly noticeable, the original case appears to be unpolished with prominent and thick beveling on the lugs, and the bezel has a bright and distinct red triangle at the top. However, the most notable detail to scholars is the superb "4-liner" chronometer dial. Whereas most examples of the reference 6538 feature only "200m=660ft" and "Submariner" on the dial, the present watch furthermore states "Officially Certified Chronometer" on two more lines. Furthermore, the original white seconds hand adds the perfect and subtle amount of contrast to the watch.
Amazingly, the watch retains its original Rolex Guarantee and sales receipt from 1957. To the pleasure of many collector's, the watch was meticulously inspected, authenticated, and internally serviced by Rolex's Atelier de Restauration department in 2025 who carefully preserved the case, hands, and dial in original condition.
Anecdotally, the watch is accompanied by a previous service receipt dated 1959 by Mr Peter Gluckman, a San Francisco based watchmaker popularly known as the Flying Watchmaker, a talented aviator with ambitious record-setting goals. He famous set around-the-world speed records in a small Meyers 200, single-seater plane (later known as the Aero Commander 200).