Rolex Vault › All references › Submariner
Submariner · 1955 to 1959 · Discontinued · Vintage
“Big Crown 'Bond'”
Not ranked: too few recorded sales
Market range is an estimate from dealer and auction pricing: too few recorded eBay sales to set it.
Average market price for an example in excellent condition. Dashed line marks the 1957 retail price.
The watch Sean Connery wears as James Bond in Dr. No (1962). If you picture '007's Rolex', you are picturing a 6538.
It is called the Big Crown for its oversized 8mm winding crown, which sits completely exposed because Rolex had not yet added crown guards to the Submariner.
Production lasted only a few years in the late 1950s, and honest examples with original gilt dials are among the most valuable Submariners in existence.
Condition and originality decide everything. Redials and replacement parts are common, so serious buyers only go through major auction houses or specialist dealers.
Our verdict: The Bond Submariner. Museum-grade, and authentication is everything.
| Sizes | 38mm |
|---|---|
| Case & bracelet | Oystersteel (stainless) |
| Factory bracelet | Oyster |
| Factory bezels | Gilt-numeral dive bezel, no crown guards |
| Notable dials | Gilt gloss, often with depth rating in red or gilt |
| Caliber | A260 / 1030 |
| Production | 1955 to 1959 (discontinued) |