of early production in 1958, serial number 472882, the round chocolate dial with gilt hour markers, outer seconds track in gilt, black aluminium bezel insert with red triangle marker, 37mm case with distinctive big crown signed 'BREVET', on a stainless steel Oyster bracelet with foldover clasp, in box, lacking papers

The Rolex Submariner 6538 was only in production for four years with this example being one of the first 1,000 models to come to the market. Affectionately referred to as the 'James Bond', this was worn by Sean Connery as 007 in films such as Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger and Thunderball. Worn with various straps, this was the timepiece of choice for the elusive spy whilst undertaking his missions. When Dr. No was released in 1962, the Submariner was utilised mainly for its sole purpose of diving and sales were weak in comparison to that of the Datejust. However, thanks to 007 incorporating the Submariner as part of his uniform and highlighting the versatility of the watch whilst wearing it either with nothing but a pair of swimming trunks or a tuxedo, Submariner sales rocketed and Sean Connery was credited as 'the Bond star who sold a million Submariners'. Although the span of the 6538 was short, with supply only spanning four years, this has become one of the most iconic and sought after models that rarely come to the market.

Condition Report

Watch is heavily damaged and requires attention.

Movement has succumbed to water damage and is rusted. See images.

Minute hand sweeps freely (requires attention)

Crown fully extracts.

Hands cannot be changed.

Bezel difficult to turn and comes off easily.

Dial and hands are later replacements.

Bracelet stretched (likely a replacement). End links numbered 7206, lugs numbered 58.

Clasp in working order.