The 16 watches in this collection pay tribute to the iconic Sports Rolex. In the early 1950s Rolex released to the market a variety of watches with specific design elements to aid workers or professionals in their day to day lives. During this period these sports Rolex were more commonly known as a tool watch. Never before had a brand taken such a revolutionary approach to watchmaking and the result was groundbreaking.
In 1953 Rolex introduced the first tool watch, the Explorer, which was fitted with a stronger more robust case for use in exploration. The Explorer accompanied an expedition to the top of Mount Everest on May 29th of that same year catapulting the appeal and awareness of the Rolex tool watch. A year later the Submariner was marketed to divers and fitted with a larger case to withstand high pressure. In 1955 the GMT Master was released in collaboration with Pan Am Airlines allowing its owner to quickly determine the time in two time zones.
Rolex A rare stainless steel dual time "GMT-Master" wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, black lacquer dial, bracelet and gurantee. Ref. 1675. Circa 1964.
These models quickly became iconic representations of Rolex and are collected by people from all over the world. Each model grows in popularity and value every season due to the increase in knowledge and the difficulty to find examples in good condition complete with original accessories.
The collection is comprised of some extremely rare and sought after tool watches, some of which still retain their original accessories. The Sports Rolex is arguably one of the hottest and most collectable areas of the watch market today and seldom do such collections come to market. See the complete collection (Lots 264-280) here.
Rolex A fine and rare stainless steel dual time "GMT-Master" wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, roulette date wheel, black lacquer dial, bakelite bezel, bracelet, guarantee and fitted presentation box. Ref. 6542. Circa 1959.
The first GMT-Master, reference 6542, was launched in 1955 and featured an acrylic or bakelite bezel insert and a case without crown guards. The watch illustrated here is an example of this reference and has been preserved in attractive and original condition and features the much sought after bakelite bezel. The black lacquer dial with gilt printing is original and the lumes have aged nicely and now showing a warm orange tone. Overall a very pleasing and charismatic watch still retaining its guarantee at the time of sale.
The Rolex Submariner is one of the most famous watches today. First worn by James Bond in the movies Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger and Thunderball, the Big Crown Submariner has become known as the James Bond. This reference 6538 is a spectacular example from 1958, featuring the correct dial, bezel, winding crown and original bracelet. The dial is an earlier 6538 dial, which features the '200m=660' and 'Submariner'. This depth rating is printed in strong silver-white, whereas the ‘Submariner’ and Rolex signature is printed in gilt underneath the original black lacquer.
The dial is in formidable original condition, still retaining the beautifully aged hour markers, which have aged consistently with the luminous in the seconds hand. The case still retains its original beveled edges and the numbers between the lugs are crisp and easily readable. A completely original and outstanding example, this watch is exceptional.
Rolex A very fine and very rare stainless steel "Submariner" wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer dial and big crown. Ref. 6538. Circa 1958.
Reference 6538 was released in 1955 and ceased production circa 1959. The value and desirability of this reference has increased immensely over the years. The example here is highly charismatic and has so much character. The rarity of this watch is highlighted by its original insert, big crown and '4 line' black lacquer dial with gilt graphics, 200m=660 depth rating and 'Officially Certified Chronometer' printed in white.
The inside case back is stamped 1.58, indicating production of the first quarter of that year and the case still retains very good proportions. The dial is perhaps the most pleasing and rare feature about this big crown Submariner. It has aged consistently over the years, with warm orange lumes. The dial also displays what we today call 'spider webbing' throughout, which is consistent with its age, and now sought aer today amongst collectors.
(Left) Alan Peter Olson (1926-1978) on an excavation in Colorado, July 1961, wearing his Big Crown. (Right) Alan Peter Olson (1926-1978) wearing his 6538.
It is interesting to note that this watch once belonged to Alan Peter Olson (1926-1978), the respected Archeologist and Paleontologist. Olson most notably conducted research on the Ancient Navajos in Arizona during his time as curator of anthropology at the Museum of Northern Arizona. In 1964, Olson discovered new evidence suggesting that prehistoric people, dating as far as 4,000 years ago, lived in the Grand Canyon and other major canyon areas in Northern Arizona. Olson wore this watch during his many excavations, attesting to both its practicality as a tool watch, and its beauty in terms of aesthetics.