Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1956
    Reference No: 6536/1 inside case back stamped II.56
    Movement No: DN'680'174
    Case No: 155'661
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1030, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 65, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 4.56
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Artland Watch Co. and dated August 10, 1957, Artland Watch Co. polishing cloth, "Submariner" card and presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 1955, reference 6536/1 replaced reference 6536 and remained in production until 1959. Today, it is one of the most sought-after vintage Submariner references due to its design and modern proportions.

    Preserved in stunning and exceptional condition, this reference 6536/1 is an incredibly original and well-preserved example. Boasting thick bevels, a robust case and strong proportions, it is evident that this timepiece has seen extremely little, if any intervention throughout its lifetime. The dial is preserved in equally excellent and impressive condition. The luminous marker at 6 o'clock is most notably much brighter than the other lume plots. This feature allowed divers to orient themselves in the dark. Other impressive features are the original bracelet, stamped for the fourth quarter of 1956, along with the original Brevet crown.

    The timepiece is further enhanced by its original guarantee, stating the watch was originally sold at Artland, Hong Kong. It is even accompanied by its original Artland Watch Co. polishing cloth, adding another layer of collectibility.

  • 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 inside case back stamped II.56
A rare and very attractive stainless steel wristwatch with black lacquer dial, center seconds, bracelet, original guarantee, original polishing cloth and presentation box

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

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 
€26,700-44,500
$30,200-50,400

Sold for CHF87,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019