How closely is this Rolex 6538 Submariner tied to the Eon Productions 007 film "Thunderball" and the James Bond character?
When one runs the leading sites for James Bond watch information, one hears many stories.
Trouble is, as I pointed out in my Blog entry last Thursday, substantiating the claims attendant thereto.
But this one’s a little different in that Christie’s had included in a Lot description for auction today background on a Rolex 6538 Submariner dated to 1959 (consistent with case number associations provided by Martin Skeet and Nick Urul in Vintage Rolex Sports Models) — with ties to the Eon Productions film Thunderball, starring Sean Connery.
Keep in mind as you read this that Rolex expert-collector Guido Mondani (and co-author of Rolex Submariner Story) further notes that the Submariner 6538 reference was last produced in 1959.
Sale 1380: Important Watches, 16 May 2011, Geneva – Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues
Lot 332: Rolex. A very find and rare stainless steel automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, large crown and brown-coloured dial
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, 200M=660ft, Submariner, Ref. 6538, Case No. 449’198, Manufactured in 1959. Estimated to sell for between $56,818 and $90,900 (US). In the end, $119,318 was its final selling price.
Lot Description
Rolex. A very fine and rare stainless steel automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, large crown and brown-coloured dial
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, 200m=660ft, Submariner, ref. 6538, case no. 449’198, manufactured in 1959
Cal. 1030 nickel-finished lever movement, 25 jewels, brown-coloured gloss dial, luminous dot, baton and dagger numerals, luminous mercedes hands, sweep centre seconds, tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case, screw back, large screw down crown, revolving black bezel calibrated for 60 units, stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted expanding bracelet with clasp stamped 5.61, case, dial and movement signed38 mm. diam….
Provenance
While studying cinematography in the early 1980s, the present owner purchased this watch during an internship at Pinewood Film Studios near London (see image) from an underwater camera man of Albert Broccoli’s Eon Productions, producers of James Bond movies. The young student was particularly fascinated by the company’s team members and technicians, allowing him to meet the best people in the industry at various occasions. Some of the members had been with the firm since the Sean Connery productions of the early 1960s.
During lunch in the wood-panelled restaurant of the main building, the opportunity arose to involve one of the “old hands” in a longer conversation. A highly specialized underwater lighting cameraman told him about the shooting of special effects diving sequences which resulted in a general discussion on diving equipment. When asked about diving watches he pointed to his old, scuffed Rolex diver’s watch (“bloody old thing”) which he had owned for ages. He was willing to let it go as he was about to buy the brand new Sea-Dweller of the period. When asked if this age-old Submariner was really still waterproof, he replied that it was given to him by Eon Productions during the shooting of “Thunderball” in the mid-1960s. He used it during the entire production and it never let him down. He was one of the six underwater cameramen of the team.
Since that day the watch has been the property of the current owner.
I dare say that it’s nothing short of amazing how the number of Rolex 6538 Submariners associated with the early James Bond films continue to surface — with subtle variations. And with each any legitimate claim to an individual having evidence of the one first James Bond movie-watch less, um, solid.
With that, some final notes from Christie’s on this Lot:
Lot Notes
The present watch is a highly attractive example of the rare reference 6538 model, distinguished by its lacquer dial which over time has taken a charismatic dark brown tone.
The case, evidently never exposed to careless polishing, impresses any beholder with its full body and sharp angles to the facets of the lugs. Another particularly rare feature underlining the excellent case condition is the presence of the engraved inscription Rolex Oyster to the edge of the screw back.
The homogenically bleached bezel now displays a rich brownish tone, matching perfectly with the dial and enhancing the appealing look of this rare timepiece.
Reference 6538
Reference 6538, the upgraded version of reference 6200, was introduced to the market in 1955. It was depth rated to 200 meters (660 ft), featured an 8 mm. crown with no crown guards. The dial with gilt printing, with or without depth rating but with the gilt printed designation “Submariner” and “Mercedes” hands, the bezel with red triangle and divisions for the first 15 minutes. Between 1956 and 1958, a special issue of the model was made for the British Royal Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy.
Reference 6538 has come to international fame when prominently worn by 007 Agent James Bond during his stint in “Dr. No”. Its first and best remembered appearance was when Bond enters a bar and while lighting a cigarette checks the precise time on his reliable tool watch. As a professional agent would expect, the explosive device previously planted by him blows up on the dot as indicated by his Submariner. Consequently, Bond and his reference 6538 are the only two “guests” to maintain their composure…
It is therefore no surprise that amongst thoroughbred Rolex aficionados, reference 6538 enjoys the most authentic status as the “James Bond” model, defined by its masculine case proportions and the large 8 mm. crown without crown guards, lending it an unmistakable look.
Special thanks to Eric Wind and Hodinkee for note of this auction.
Image courtesy Christie’s
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