1027
Rolex
Ref. 6538
Submariner, “Big Crown 4-Liner”
A rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, black lacquer “four liner” dial, big crown and bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
- Rare "Big crown Four Liner" dial
- ROW stamped movement
Extraordinary, exemplary, and exquisite—these are the expressions that naturally come to mind when describing this reference 6538 from 1958. According to Rolex, the reference was first launched in 1954 and the total production of the reference is estimated at a mere 2,800 units. However, what makes the present example truly fascinating is not just its rarity, but the inclusion of the correct "Big Crown", a highly sought-after dial variation, and its excellent state of preservation. It stands, indisputably, as a premier "Big Crown" Submariner for the most discerning connoisseur.
The "James Bond" legacy remains one of the most charismatic chapters in cinema history. While many vintage Submariners have adopted the "Bond" moniker over the years, the reference 6538 is the only "Big Crown" to have been authentically worn by Sean Connery in the original films, including Dr. No (1962), From Russia with Love (1963), and Goldfinger (1964). Calling this timepiece a masterpiece for the wrist is no overstatement. Its awe-inspiring black lacquer dial has been perfectly preserved, notably without the "spider-line" cracking frequently found in other examples of this era. The luster remains superbly sleek, providing a deep, dark backdrop for the beautifully aged indexes and hands.
Furthermore, this example features a "collector's dream" dial configuration. While early examples typically feature two lines of text, this specimen displays four: the standard "200m = 660ft" and "SUBMARINER", followed by two additional lines — “OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER” —rendered in a silvery print, only seen in the final stages of production.
True to its "Big Crown" nickname, the enlarged 8mm winding crown is in incredible condition. The bezel is equally impressive, featuring the iconic red triangle and 15-minute hash markers, presented in honest, original condition. At the heart of the watch, it is powered by Rolex’s first complete in-house calibre, the cal. 1030, featuring the famous "butterfly" rotor. Notably, the movement bears the “ROW” stamp, indicating it was originally destined for the American market.
Intriguingly, this watch was produced in the same year as another exceptionally well-preserved example sold at the Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS auction in May 2019 for HK$6,030,000, underscoring the enduring value and historical gravity of this legendary reference.
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.