Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1956
    Reference No: 6536/1
    Movement No: N’693’389
    Case No: 155’514, inside caseback stamped “II.56”
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1030, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “7206”, endlinkes stamped “80”, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “3-68”
    Dimensions: 37mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 1955, the Rolex Submariner ref. 6536/1 usurped the preceeding ref. 6536 and remained in production until 1959.

    Framed in a robust stainless steel 37mm diameter Oyster case, the ref. 6536/1 features a small Brevet crown measuring at 6mm only and much smaller in comparison to the ref. 6538 “Big Crown” with an 8mm Brevet crown.

    Bearing a 155 thousand serial, the present example is from circa 1956 and is offered in excellent overall condition boasting an attractive case with crisp and desirable bevels, not to mention thick and prominent lugs. Furthermore, the dial is nice and original with strong radium readings under a Geiger counter. The luminous material on the dial has aged beautifully and further heightens the vintage appeal of this present example.

    The dial is preserved in equally impressive condition with its strong gilt print. The luminous marker at 6 o'clock is most notably much brighter than the other luminous plots, as to be expected from Submariner dials from this period.

  • 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.

    View More Works

886

Ref. 6536/1
A very attractive, early and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, black lacquered dial and bracelet

Circa 1956
37mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 480,000 
€27,700-55,400
$30,800-61,500

Sold for HK$279,400

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023