Rolex, Submariner, "Big Crown", "Explorer Dial", "King Sub", ca 1954.
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Case size: 37,5 mm
Material: steel
Movement: automatic, caliber A296
Year: circa 1954
Crystal: plastic crystal
Bracelet: Oyster bracelet, folding clasp, ref. 7936/380
Reference number: 6200
Serial number: 32'105
Movement number: 37'255
Case number: 6200
Provenance
The Rolex Submariner 6200 was acquired by the current owner in the 1970s in Gothenburg. Shortly after the purchase, the watch had a service. It is likely that the dial, insert, and hands were replaced at that time. A new Rolex bracelet was also purchased. The watch was worn frequently during the 1970s and 1980s but has been stored away for the past 30 years.
More information
It is no exaggeration to claim that the Rolex Submariner is the most famous watch model in the world. The first examples of this iconic diver's watch were produced in 1953 and made their official debut at the Basel Fair in 1954. The initial references of the Submariner were 6204, 6205, and 6200. While references 6204 and 6205 offered water resistance down to 100 meters, the more robust 6200 was designed for professional divers and was water-resistant down to 200 meters.
For many collectors, reference 6200 is considered a "The holy grail" of Submariner collecting and is also referred to as "King Sub". All watches that have appeared on the market have serial numbers between 31,9xx and 32,2xx. Therefore, the total production of 6200 is estimated to be around 300 pieces, of which only a small number have surfaced on the secondary market.
The model 6200 has distinctive features that make it particularly interesting. It was the first model to have what is known as a "Big Crown," referring to the 8 mm "Brevet" crown. Additionally, the 6200 was the first model to feature a dial with a so-called "3-6-9" or "Explorer" layout.