Rolex Big Crown "James Bond" Four Line Submariner Reference 6538 Unpolished

The Rolex Submariner reference 6538 with the oversized 8mm crown is among the most iconic and highly-coveted sports watches. Produced only in the latter part of the 1950s, the reference 6538 became famous on the late Sean Connery’s wrist while portraying James Bond in the 1962 film Dr. No. That moment and affiliation cemented the Rolex Submariner as the grail watch that so many people around the world hope to one day own.

This particular example is one of the rarest and most desirable versions, preserved in spectacular condition. The glossy dial is immaculate and is the rare and desirable “four-line” version showing the text “Officially Certified Chronometer” below the “200m = 660ft” depth rating and “SUBMARINER” text. These four-line versions were submitted to additional regulation at Rolex followed by intense testing by the Swiss Government to certify it as a “chronometer” (meaning it could gain no more than 6 seconds and lose no more than 4 seconds in a variety of positions and temperatures over the course of two weeks).

I would estimate there are 10-20 examples of the non-chronometer two-line reference 6538 for every 1 example of the “Four-Line” chronometer-rated version we see. Those that follow the “Big Crown” market will know that these four-line versions are often relumed or in extremely rough condition given that the original purchasers often had a very specific tool-oriented reason to be paying the approximately 30% extra these watches originally cost for the more accurate chronometer-rated version. Collectors have long placed a significant premium on these “four-line versions” and they are the equivalent of the premium car collectors pay for the significantly more powerful, race-ready versions of supercars made in the past versus stock cars made for the general public.

This example features an original and extremely rare aluminum bezel insert with red triangle. The watch was found without a bezel insert from the son of the original owner and this insert was sourced for the watch and is period correct. As one may imagine, a large percentage of the small number of Big Crown watches in existence have later replacement bezel inserts. These red triangle inserts have sold for as much as $40,000 in the past. The brass bezel assembly that holds the insert is original to the watch.

It has an automatic chronometer-certified movement (caliber 1030 made by Rolex). The exceptionally crisp case measures in at approximately 38mm in diameter. It appears to be unpolished and is incredibly attractive. There is a small amount of lume missing in the minute hand and at 7 o'clock.

This particular would have been critical if featured in my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ video and corresponding article. We had some of the best examples of the Rolex Submariner ever assembled on that table and I would have been honored to have included this exceptional watch. We believe the crystal is original.

This is one of the coolest Submariners I have held, and is certainly a trophy for someone who wants one of the greatest examples of a “James Bond” Submariner with “Four-Line Dial” to come to market and especially relevant given the release of the No Time to Die film.

It is paired on a “Big Logo” Rolex Oyster bracelet (pre-7206) with 65 end links that is period correct dating to 1959 which is unpolished. It is very tight. Eric had it on ice for years waiting for a moment like this! These have sold solo for as much as $25,000 in the past.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well. It recently passed a water resistance test of 5 bar.

PRICE: $290,000 (Item SBUXYT0065)