Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1956
    Reference No: 6536/1
    Movement No: 692'718
    Case No: 155'502 further stamped II.56
    Model Name: Submariner "Small Crown"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1030, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel expandable riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 7206, endlinks stamped 80. 185mm, max. length
    Clasp/Buckle: Deployant stainless steel clasp stamped 2.67
    Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The “small crown” Submariner, reference 6536/1, successor of reference 6536, was introduced in 1955 and remained in production until 1959. Essentially identical to its predecessor, it was also available with the chronometer version of calibre 1030, featuring a 6mm. crown with a Brevet cross to the top and no guards to protect it.

    It is amazing to find a 60 year old timepiece made to be regularly worn in such condition. The case is crisp with strong lugs and perfect factory finished bevels. The black glossy dial with gilt printing is a pleasure to behold.

    Its overall rarity and impeccable condition make the present Submariner a trophy for the connoisseur of rare timepieces.

  • 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.

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Ref. 6536/1
A fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with black lacquer dial

1956
37mm. Diameter
Case, dial movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€37,100-74,100
$39,600-79,300

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017