Rolex
Ref. 6536/1 inside caseback stamped IV.55
A highly rare, impressive and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with "red depth" rating, center seconds and bracelet
Circa 1955
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000
€45,300-90,700
$54,400-109,000
SOLD FOR CHF151,200
Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com
Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: Circa 1955
Reference No: 6536/1 inside caseback stamped IV.55
Movement No: N'573'959
Case No: 112'069
Model Name: Submariner
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1030, 25 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 195mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
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.
The present example is stunningly and impressively preserved with thick lugs, large crisp bevels and strong proportions. The numbers between the lugs are particularly crisp and barely show any signs of wear, which is particularly noteworthy, considering the age of the timepiece. The dial is in equally impressive condition with its strong gilt print. The luminous marker at 6 o'clock is most notably much brighter than the other lume plots as expected from submariner dials of this age.
The connoisseur will notice a small - yet very rare – detail on the lower part of the dial: the depth rating is rendered in red script. Most commonly, this reference features the "m" and "ft" units of measure in the depth rating in gilt. Such a unit-less red variation is extremely rare and particularly collectable.
Its overall rarity and impeccable condition make the present Submariner a trophy for the connoisseur of rare timepieces.