As we look back at the history of Rolex, a notable year for the brand dates back to 1954 when the iconic Submariner was officially launched. Albeit the reference 6204 was documented as officially launching to the public at Basel Fair in 1954, and it comes as no surprise that some serial numbers date to 1953, as the development process for many elite manufacturers takes significant time, and this is such an example.

While still in the early experimental stages of the model, Rolex introduced many different dial designs and even model names, the rarest among these being the present Sub-Aqua. The Sub-Aqua name derived from the largest diver’s club named the British Sub-Aqua club, which was founded by ex-military personnel and is still in existence today. Reference 6204 was the brand’s first true diving watch, water resistant to 100m, and the first of the Submariner family. These early, experimental models are especially coveted by collectors.

The present example still retains the beautiful pencil shaped hands and original bezel without the minute graduation from zero to fifteen, as seen on later models. These early Submariners, produced for only a few years, do not have crown guards like latter models, adding to the desirability of the watch.

The untouched, glossy dial with gilt-colored writing has aged beautifully along with its original luminous hour markers. Combined with a well-preserved case that retains its original bevels, this watch is a must have for the advanced Submariner collector.