Rolex. A very fine and rare stainless steel self-winding water-resistant wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, bracelet and the earliest style of depth rating printed in red
Lot 155

Rolex. A very fine and rare stainless steel self-winding water-resistant wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, bracelet and the earliest style of depth rating printed in red

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, 100/330, SUBMARINER, REF. 6536, CASE NO. 89'236, MANUFACTURED IN 1956

Closed12 May 2008

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CHF 85,000

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Rolex. A very fine and rare stainless steel self-winding water-resistant wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, bracelet and the earliest style of depth rating printed in red
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, 100/330, Submariner, ref. 6536, case no. 89'236, manufactured in 1956
Cal. 1030 nickel-finished lever movement, 26 jewels, the black matte dial with luminous dot, baton and dagger numerals, luminous mercedes hands, sweep centre seconds, in tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case with screw back and screw down crown, revolving black bezel calibrated for 60 units, stainless steel Rolex USA bracelet, case, dial and movement signed
37 mm. diam.

Specialist note

The present reference 6536 is one of the rarest Submariner models ever produced, featuring the very first depth rating used by Rolex, the red printed "100/330". This style is known to exist on an exceedingly small series of this reference only, on all later models the more common 100m=330ft printed in white was used.

The theory that Submariners of this series are exceedingly rare is further highlighted by the fact that the present reference 6536 was originally destined to be a 6538. Both original reference numbers, featured between the lugs and inside the case back, were corrected at the time of manufacture at the Rolex workshops. Whereas the last digit of "6538" between the lugs was crossed out and replaced by a "6", the entire stamped reference number "6538" inside the case back was triple crossed out and a new reference number, "6536", was inscribed in a new position. Watches like the present example beautifully show in what artisan manner Rolex produced the earliest Submariner divers watches.

This watch is self-explanatory for the reasons and fascination evoked by collecting historic Rolex sports watches.