Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1954 Reference No: 6200 Case No: 32'085 Model Name: Submariner Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, A296 Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel expandable, Rolex Oyster Clasp/Buckle: Folding clasp, stamped 1.66 Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Literature: For a reference 6200 with "Explorer dial" please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, by John Goldberger, pages 198 to 199
Catalogue Essay
Introduced at the 1954 Basel Fair, the Submariner soon became the world’s most legendary tool watch and, generations later, is still enjoying immense popularity today. The present reference 6200 is one of the rarest and most sought after Submariner models ever produced. Launched in 1954 and made in very few examples only, this 6200 is fitted with an original unrestored “Explorer’ dial characterised by its 3, 6 and 9 numerals. Furthermore, the signature is much smaller and nicknamed “Small Logo”. There is no Submariner designation nor depth rating indicating that this dial is a very early example.
The rarity of the present watch is further enhanced by its original condition, still retaining the bezel without the minute markers, the “mercedes” hands, large “Brevet” crown, and original dial. Few sports watches have such iconic status amongst collectors. The present 6200 is of no exception and will please the most discerning collectors.
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.