• cal. 1520 automatic nickel lever movement, 26 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, adjusted to five positions and temperature • black dial, luminescent triangle, dot and baton indexes, luminescent Mercedes-style hands, sweep center seconds • tonneau water-resistant-type case with rotating black bezel calibrated for 60 units, large screw-down crown and screw-down case back • case, dial, movement and bracelet signed • with a stretched stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with deployant clasp

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The scratches in the catalogue photograph are actually on the crystal rather than the dial. The signature and depth rating are in silver. There is some loss to the luminescent paint on the minute hand. The bezel has some scratches and loss to the paint and the luminescent dot at 12 o'clock is missing. The case shows scuffs and scratches from a fairly substantial amount of wear. The numbers between the lugs are 5510 and what appears to read 763004, however this serial number is quite rubbed. The inside of the case back is stamped 5510. The bracelet is stretched, with an overall length of 180MM.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The most striking design feature of this model, Ref. 5510, is the large crown with no crown guard shoulders. Now known to collectors as the 'Big Crown James Bond', this model is especially rare, as Rolex would replace the large crown (with a diameter o⛄f eight millimeters)&nඣbsp;with a smaller one (with a diameter of five or six millimeters) by the end of the 1950s. For this reason, the larger crown with the word 'Brevet' commands more attention and more value in today's collecting world.

For more information on this model and on the Submariner family of watches, see Skeet, M. & Urul, N. Vintage Rolex Sports Models, pp. 20-25.