24
Rolex
Ref. 6536/1; inside caseback stamped 6536/1 and IV.56 and 18
Submariner “Red Depth”
A rare and well-preserved stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with black gilt dial, red depth rating, and bracelet
- Estimate
- $50,000 - 100,000
$53,340
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1956
- Reference No
- 6536/1; inside caseback stamped 6536/1 and IV.56 and 18
- Movement No
- 618’796
- Case No
- 112’464
- Model Name
- Submariner “Red Depth”
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1030, 26 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 7206, end links stamped 80, maximum overall length 215mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 1.69
- Dimensions
- 37.5mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, bracelet, and clasp signed.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Introduced in 1955, the Submariner reference 6536/1 replaced the reference 6536 and remained in production until 1959.
Preserved in stunning and exceptional condition, this reference 6536/1 is an incredibly original and well-preserved example. The robust case boasts thick bevels and strong proportions. The dial is preserved in equally attractive and impressive condition, having aged beautifully over the past seven decades. The luminous marker at six o'clock is notably brighter than the other luminous hour markers, which themselves have aged to an immensely attractive golden beige color. This feature allowed divers to orient themselves in the dark and can be seen in other early Submariner examples.
Only very few examples of the reference 6536/1 bear the following trait: The depth rating written in red print. Therefore, these so-called “red depth” Submariners – or any early Rolex with red printing – have become extremely sought-after. Fresh-to-the-market and previously unknown, the present rare and attractive example would certainly deserve a place in the most discerning of Rolex collections.
Preserved in stunning and exceptional condition, this reference 6536/1 is an incredibly original and well-preserved example. The robust case boasts thick bevels and strong proportions. The dial is preserved in equally attractive and impressive condition, having aged beautifully over the past seven decades. The luminous marker at six o'clock is notably brighter than the other luminous hour markers, which themselves have aged to an immensely attractive golden beige color. This feature allowed divers to orient themselves in the dark and can be seen in other early Submariner examples.
Only very few examples of the reference 6536/1 bear the following trait: The depth rating written in red print. Therefore, these so-called “red depth” Submariners – or any early Rolex with red printing – have become extremely sought-after. Fresh-to-the-market and previously unknown, the present rare and attractive example would certainly deserve a place in the most discerning of Rolex collections.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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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