Designed for diving in 1953, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner is an extremely classic watch. As the first diving watch with a depth of 330 feet or 100 meters, the company clearly set the standard for this model. Arguably, the Rolex Submariner has become the brand’s most quintessential sports watch – a distinction owed in large part to James Bond.
There is no doubt that a world-famous superspy wearing a world-famous high-end watch is the perfect match. However, let us not forget that the James Bond films and the Rolex Submariner were still in their infancy in the early 1960s. 1962 saw the first James Bond film, Dr. No; and the Submariner was less than a decade old. That was 60 years ago, and no one could have predicted the huge success of the movie franchise and the top-of-the-line diving fake rolex for sale. Admittedly, James Bond and Rolex are no longer officially friends, but there was a time when they did have a connection. By all accounts, it was an unexpected and organic combination rather than the kind of deliberate product placement to which we have become accustomed.
This week, in honor of the sixty-year connection between 007 and Rolex, we’ve chosen the Submariner 6538, better known as the “007 Rolex”, as our vintage watch of the week. So grab your popcorn and take a moment to soak up the magic of the movie and the history of horology.
The first Submariner was the Model 6204, released in 1953. With a 38mm steel case, a rotating chronograph bezel with a black aluminum insert, and a black dial with luminous hands and indexes, the Submariner 6204 was the first dive watch to be water-resistant to 100 meters.
Next came the Submariner 6205 (launched in 1954), then the 6200 (launched in 1955). With each new Submariner, Rolex made small changes, including crown size, depth rating, dial design, and slight adjustments to the movement. It is clear that Rolex experimented with various details on these early Submariner models from the 1950s to get the right combination.
Shortly after its introduction, the Ref. 6536, produced for only one year in 1955, has become one of the most studied vintage pieces in the collection and is said to be a transitional model for Rolex. Not to be confused with the Ref. 6536/1, the 6536 features a different gasket exact replica watches, crystal, case, and small crown. There are barely 100 of these particular models, and it is one of the submarines without crown protection, also known as the “submarine without crown protection.” The 6200 submarine series also began to feature the Mercedes hand set, although this is not the first Rolex to include this feature.
It is also interesting to note that when the Rolex Submariner 6536 enters the discussion, it usually brings the Ref. 6536/1. This model was introduced in 1955 and ended in 1959, carrying a small crown (6 mm) like its predecessor. When speculating about these two specific models, collectors often debate whether or not they include a chronometer movement.