The James Bond Submariner Turns 50 Today

October 05, 2012

Connery Rocks a Rolex in Dr. No On October 5th, 1962, Ian Flemings fictionalspy, James Bond, made his big screen debut in Dr. No, played by SeanConnery. Not only did the movie launch historys most enduring film franchise, but it also made famous a certain wristwatch. Before Dr. No, the RolexSubmariner was a sturdy but humble dive watch, favored by divers for itsruggedness and water resistance. But after it appeared on the wrist of the suave Agent007, it quickly became a symbol of confident masculinity and adventure. Neverbefore, or since, has a wristwatch been so connected with a character. While Fleming outfitted his literary Bond with a Rolex, henever specified the exact reference. But when it came time for Bond to meet hispublic in the movie, the issue was forced, and Connery was given a reference6538 Submariner. Much speculation surrounds the exact circumstances around thebequeathing of said watch, and its ill-fitting nylon strap. Regardless of how itfound its way onto Connerys wrist, the Submariner was a fittingtimepiece for a former Navy man who needed something that could stand up to hisrough lifestyle. The 6538 was an early Submariner reference, with anoversized screw-down TwinLock crown and bi-directional friction timing bezel.The case, rated to 200 meters of water resistance, lacked crown guards, one ofthe distinctive features of the so-called James Bond Submariner. ConnerysBond wore the 6538 in subsequent films before it was succeeded by the moremodern 5513, worn by both Roger Moore and TimothyDalton. When the Bond franchise was rebooted in the 1990s withPierce Brosnan, Omega seized the opportunity to redefine the Bond wristwatchconnection with its Seamaster. But for most watch enthusiasts, 007 will alwaysbe associated with the Rolex Submariner. And for the real purists, thatSubmariner will always be the reference 6538. It's becoming increasinglydifficult to find a James Bond Submariner, either the 6538 or one of its close siblings,the references 5508 and 5510. When they do come up for sale, they command topdollar as weve famously shown you on HODINKEE before. Via 10 Past Ten Today, in honor of the 50th anniversary of thescreen debut of James Bond and his signature Rolex Submariner, weve found an evenearlier reference, a 6536 with a red 100-meter depth rating. This rare predecessor to the 6538 is being offered for sale by our friend,Eric Ku, over at 10 Past Ten. If you take a break from your 007 moviemarathon today, you can get more information about this classic pre-BondSubmariner here.