1954 Rolex Submariner Stainless Steel 6538 Wristwatch

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1954 Rolex Submariner Stainless Steel 6538 Wristwatch

About the Item

Vintage * *Complete with: Box dated 1954 *Case Size: 37mm *Strap: Stainless Steel Oyster *Age: 1954 *Strap length: Adjustable up to 18cm. Please note we can order spare links and alternate length/colour straps if required. For a quote please contact us. ** Condition: The item is in very good condition and shows one or two noticeable signs of wear or patina relative to its age. Rolex collectors will quickly recognise the significance of this piece with its big, guardless crown and the red depth rating in two lines of writing. Starting with Dr. No, Sean Connery wore a 6538 in several Bond films. This catapulted the watch to stardom and all guardless, big crown Submariners, even the 5508, are often nicknamed “The James Bond”. It all started with the 6538, which makes this one of the most sought-after Submariners in collecting history. The Rolex Submariner 6538 has almost an endless list of features that distinguish it from its predecessors the 6200, 6204 and 6205. This is all because it has a dizzying number of dial variations for such a short production run of only 4 years (1955-1959). There is no readily available documentation confirming the lineage of the dial productions for the 6538. At least 10 dial styles are known of with some being much more rare than others. There appears to be an almost random approach to the design and manufacturing of these dials – some with two lines of text, some with four; some with red writing, some with gilt; some with depth units, some without. There were Tiffany dials, and also extremely rare ”explorer” dials with 3, 6 and 9 in radium filled Arabic numerals. The variations have led to a vast difference in rarity and price today. The most commonly seen 6538s tend to be gilt dials, appearing regularly at auction and achieving middle range prices. This particular model features two lines of text, a red depth rating and no unit measurement (“200/660” instead of “200m/660ft”), which makes it an unusual find. The dial and hands are original without restoration or replacement parts. A soft discolouration to the dial has emerged from natural aging, along with the degradation of the lume spots and lume in the hands. There is also some natural oxidisation to the Mercedes hour, minute and lollipop second hands. The depth rating and Submariner writing have seen some slight degradation. The 6538 measures 38mm in case diameter and has a comparably large 8mm diameter crown containing a twin-lock Brevet thread locking system, providing the water tightness expected of a Submariner of the time. The inner caseback is inscribed with Montres Rolex S.A Geneva Switzerland Patented., then, as with all 6538s, the quarter-year of production inside the production year (e.g. III 1956). A domed plexiglass is age-appropriate and the watch comes on the riveted link oyster bracelet ref. 7206 with ref. 80 end links. Probably the most common part of this super rare piece is the bezel, which is a relatively standard 6538, bi-directional turning divers bezel. There are interval markers at every five minute intersect with 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ain Arabic numerals. The 6538 contains the Rolex Calibre 1030, with 25 jewels running at 18,800 vph. This was the standard operating calibre for the early Submariners before developing the 1035 and COSC certified 1037 which came in later models such as the 5512. ** Gender: Men's *Dial: Black *Glass: Plexiglass *Movement: Automatic *Water Resistance: To Manufacturers Specifications *Case: Stainless Steel *Buckle Material: Stainless Steel Deployant *Strap Width: At Case - 20mm/At Buckle - 15mm ** PLEASE NOTE: ALL INTERNATIONAL ORDERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO LOCAL TAXES AND DUTIES WHICH REMAIN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER. SHOULD AN ITEM BE REJECTED ON THE BASIS OF THESE COSTS WE WILL BE UNABLE TO REFUND OUTWARD & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS. PLEASE CONTACT US SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. ** SERVICE HISTORY * This watch has received a Rolex accredited service in line with our exacting standards. ** PROVENANCE * All of our items undergo checks against a number of databases created in conjunction with the brands and worldwide authorities to ensure authenticity and provenance is ascertained. ** WARRANTY * All of our pre-owned watches have undergone thorough mechanical inspections, including being ultrasonically cleaned, serviced and resealed if appropriate and tested for a minimum of 7 days, to ensure they meet our highest timekeeping standards. Our pre-owned and vintage watches are covered by a full, or a limited twenty-four month warranty. For example, due to their age, some vintage watches should not be subjected to the same conditions as when they were new such as water resistance, which it may no longer be possible to guarantee. Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information. All of our new watches are covered by the warranty from the original manufacturer. Please contact us for further information. ** DELIVERY * UK - We offer a complimentary next day delivery service for all UK orders placed before 3pm. If your order is placed after this time, or during the weekend, your item(s) will be dispatched on the nearest working day. Please be aware that your parcel will require a signature in order to be delivered and tracking information will be supplied on the day of dispatch. We also offer named day delivery options, so please contact us to discuss your requirements. ** International - We offer complimentary delivery on all international orders. If your order is placed before 12pm (GMT) your item(s) will be dispatched on the same day. We aim to get your order to you as quickly as possible, but in rare cases, local customs and excise authorities can introduce delivery delays that are out of our control. We will notify you of any delays where possible and a tracking number will be sent to you on the day of dispatch. ** RETURNS * We're confident that you'll love your purchase from us, but we understand the importance of peace of mind when shopping online. If you decide you would like to return your item, we offer a 30-day returns period from the date of delivery, entitling you to a full refund or exchange.

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
Case Dimensions:
Diameter: 1.46 in (37 mm)
Place of Origin:
Unknown
Period:
1950-1959
Date of Manufacture:
1954
Condition:
The item is in very good condition and shows one or two noticeable signs of wear or patina relative to its age.
Seller Location:
Bishops Stortford, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: W53001stDibs: LU131835407282

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Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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