ROLEX, 'BIG CROWN' SUBMARINER, REF. 6538Important information about this lot
Price Realised USD 37,500
Estimate
USD 30,000 - USD 50,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
Lot Essay
Few Submariner models fascinate Rolex aficionados as much as the "Big Crown" – a.k.a. “James Bond” -Submariner. A staple of serious Rolex collections, Big Crown Submariners are as charismatic and attractive as they are rare. The present example of a reference 6538 is a from 1956.
The original owner purchased the watch in 1957, after enjoying a lengthy career in the field of aviation. He began his career as a World War II Air Force officer, and later flew commercial aviation flights. Inherited by his nephew, he wore the Rolex throughout his career in the aviation industry, during his travels to over 34 countries. The watch was given faithful and timely service during its 56 years, and will certainly be enjoyed on it's next set of adventures.
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You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The case is in good condition with light scratches. The case and lugs have been evenly polished in the past. The reference number is visible with a scratch through it. The serial number is only partially visible with a larger scratch through it. The crown is original with a nick to it. The back of the lugs show evidence of the bracelet. The case back is in good condition with light scratches. The inside of the case back is stamped '6538' and 'III.56' indicating its production in the third quarter of 1956. The inside of the case back has watchmaker's marks. The bezel is a later replacement that has faded to a beautiful navy blue color and has scratches. The pip is a later replacement. The dial is in good condition with some spotting. The dial has been relumed. The luminous material at the hour markers has darkened with age. The hands appear to be later replacements. The luminous material in the hour hand has several cracks. The end links are marked '80' and the bracelet '2, 65' indicating its production in the second quarter of 1965. The bracelet is a later replacement with little stretch and light scratches. The clasp has been lightly polished. The movement is in working order at the time of cataloging, consistent with the age of the watch. The movement has not been tested for accuracy. A service is recommended given the age of the watch.