Rolex Submariner ref 6205, The first true Submariner?

1954 was a busy year for Rolex, it was the year they launched three different reference numbers for the Submariner, the 6200,6204 and this the 6205 which as it was only manufactured for the between 1954 and 1955 is one of the rarest Submariner references.

The 6205 and 6204 variants are known as the small crowns as they both used a 6 mm crown whereas the 6200 was fitted with an oversize 8 mm crown and so became the big crown.

The 6205 was also when Rolex introduced the now famous Mercedes style hands on the submariner replacing the previously used pencil hands. And potentially most significant is that this was the first submariner to carry its name on the dial, this feature has remained there ever since. Marking this as possibly the most significant Rolex submariner reference ever made.

The original gilt dial shows the aging caused most commonly by the Radium used in the early lume pots .On this stunning example for safety reasons the Radium has been removed and the lume been expertly replaced and matched to near perfection .So good in fact that many collectors I have shown this piece wouldn’t believe me .

Having a 37 mm stainless steel case these early submariners are completely different to the modern pieces we see today and the case on this example is in very good condition retaining nice lug definition.

The A260 automatic movement is correctly signed as are the case (Brevet +) and dial features so important to collectors.

I don’t believe any strap can equal a watch like this, so I have fitted it to a simple black leather which works well with the simplicity of this exceptional watch.

The reference 6205 is an iconic sports watch, and a very rare, highly sought-after model. this example is in stock and ready for worldwide shipping

Our stock number 6081