Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: ONE Hong Kong Monday, November 30, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1956
    Reference No: 6536-1
    Movement No: DN680332
    Case No: 155'696
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1030, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, 170 mm. maximum length, end links stamped 65
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainelss steel Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped Rolex 3.56
    Dimensions: 37 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Literature: For another example of a stainless steel reference 6536-1 however with a red depth rating, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 200 and 201.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The reference 6536-1 was introduced in 1955 and ceased production in 1959. Today, the reference is known as the "small crown" Submariner.

    Offered in completely original condition, this Submariner is an extremely well preserved example, ticking all the right boxes for the collector of vintage Submariner models. The case, with sharp beveled lugs, is extremely crisp and still carries its original proportions. The numbers between the lugs are very crisp and easy to read. The inside of the case back is stamped 11.56, matching its original bracelet, stamped 3.56. The bezel is original and gives the watch a very authentic and highly charismatic look. The Swiss gilt dial has enormous character, the lumes have aged in a consistent way with the Mercedes hands.

    It is rare to find such Submariners in such original and appealing condition.

  • 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

216

Ref. 6536-1
An exceptional and very rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and bracelet

Circa 1956
37 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 150,000 

Sold for HK$275,000

Contact Specialist

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

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: ONE

Hong Kong Auction 1 December 2015 11am