Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1954
    Reference No: 6536-1, inside case back stamped IV.55
    Movement No: 569’969
    Case No: 112’233
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1030, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet stamped 7206, endlinks stamped 58, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped "1,65"
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Dial, case, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The 1950’s marked an interesting and innovative period for professional diver’s watches, especially for Rolex. The reference 6536-1 was amongst the first Submariner reference produced by Rolex with a depth rating of 100 meters. Featuring a black gilt “Swiss” dial, the luminous material used was radium. Furthermore, unlike the modernized Submariner’s such as the reference 5513 and 1680, the early references from the 1950’s do not feature crown guards.

    The present example of a reference 6536-1 features exotically aged radium luminous plots which have developed an orangey yellow patina matching the hue of the hour and minute hands as well as the lollipop-style seconds hand. Furthermore, the depth rating is printed in red above “Submariner”.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

    View More Works

900

Ref. 6536-1, inside case back stamped IV.55
A fine, rare and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with black lacquered dial red depth reading, sweep center seconds, no crown guards and bracelet

Circa 1954
37mm Diameter
Dial, case, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$350,000 - 550,000 
€39,900-62,700
$44,900-70,500

Sold for HK$375,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019