Rolex Submariner 6538 “Coroncione” – Radium Gilt Dial – Red Triangle Bezel – Excellent Condition

Rolex Submariner 6538 “Coroncione” – Radium Gilt Dial – Red Triangle Bezel – Excellent Condition

1953 was a pivotal year in Rolex history, with the launch of three iconic models within a short time of each other: the Rolex Turn-O-Graph, the Rolex Explorer and the Rolex Submariner.

In the three years following its debut, the Submariner, after the first reference 6204, saw the introduction of two other references in quick succession: the 6205 and the 6200, also known as the “King Sub”. With this last model, Rolex experimented with a larger 8 mm crown, on which the “Brevet” inscription is visible.
In 1956, Rolex introduced two references at the same time: the 6536, nicknamed “Small Crown”, and the 6538, known as “Big Crown”. The first was a step back from its predecessor, the 6200, featuring a less robust case and the old 6 mm crown (from which it took its nickname). The Submariner, in this new guise, returned to a maximum depth of 100 m. The 6538, on the other hand, featured a thicker case and an 8 mm crown (already tested on the 6200), giving the “Coroncione” a more robust and sporty look, but above all allowing it to cover twice the depth of its contemporary 6536 during dives.

The 6538 is one of the most sought-after and collectible versions of the entire Submariner dynasty: famous for being the watch worn by the immortal Sean Connery in the role of James Bond in the 1962 film “Dr. No”, the first of the cult 007 saga.

The present example boasts a beautifully preserved “Due Scrittura” polished Gilt dial, with radium indexes and closed minute track and the so-called “transitional” bezel, with the red triangle at “12” o’clock and without divisions from 1 to 15 minutes.

This second wrist model Rolex Submariner reference 6538 has the following characteristics:

Stainless steel case and Rolex riveted bracelet

Ring with the presence of the Red Triangle

Gilt dial with radium indexes and hands

Excellent conditions