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A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with sweep center seconds, black lacquer “four liner” dial, big crown, bracelet, ftted presentation box, original guarantee, chronometer certifcate and wallet
First launched in 1955, reference 6538 is incredibly desirable today due to its versatility, robust proportions and good looks. The model was in production for four short years, and is characterized by its black lacquer “Swiss”-signed dial, lack of crown guards and 8 millimeter crown, hence its name “Big Crown Submariner”. Reference 6538 is forever immortalized onscreen, having accompanied Sean Connery’s James Bond on multiple secret missions. Bond’s gadget is most notably disguised as a “Big Crown” Submariner on flms like Dr. No, From Russia with Love and Goldfnger. The agent’s watch is ftted on diferent straps, and equipped with diferent spying abilities. Consequently, reference 6538 is today also known as the “James Bond Submariner” to Rolex collectors and scholars. This example, manufactured in approximately 1959, was produced towards the end of the the reference’s production period. Known as a “Four Liner”, the dial displays “Ofcially Certifed Chronometer”, comprising two lines of text underneath the depth rating. This designation denotes that the watch is ftted with a chronometer certifed movement. “Four liner” dials are especially beloved by collectors, and considered rarer and more valuable than their “two-liner” counterparts. The dial is very attractive, having taken on a particularly “gilt” nature over time. The chapter ring remains vibrant, and the four lines display various shades of gold, giving the dial so much depth. The round luminous plots are intact and exhibit creamy orange patina.
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