Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1959 Reference No: 6536/1 inside caseback stamped III 59 Movement No: N'879'712 Case No: 399'798 Model Name: Submariner Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1030, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 64, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 2.59 Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
The Submariner is one of Rolex's most iconic models. Still in production today, it has gone through multiple incarnations throughout its 65 years history. While early generation examples notably had either a "small" or "big" crown, Rolex gradually introduced crown guards in the mid-1960s to make the model more robust and durable.
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 exceedingly well-preserved example. It seems that the watch has spent its life securely stored away from the ocean and worn less than occasionally. Boasting thick bevels, a robust case and strong proportions, it is evident that this timepiece has very little, if any intervention throughout its lifetime. The dial is preserved in equally excellent and impressive condition. Mirror-like and incredibly glossy, it is a sight to behold and remains completely original, despite its age. Even the red-tipped triangle retains its luminous pearl, and is another spectacular feature on this watch. All other details are correct, such as the riveted bracelet with "Big Logo", stamped for 1959.
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.
Ref. 6536/1 inside caseback stamped III 59 A highly rare, exceptionally well-preserved and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, black lacquer dial and bracelet
Circa 1959 37.5mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
