227 Rolex Extremely Rare, Historically Important and Very Well Preserved, Submariner, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With Black Glossy “explorer” Dial, Reference 6200, Property of the John Goldberger’s Collection

Estimate: € 350,000 –⁠ 700,000

Sold € 520,000

Model: Submariner
Reference: 6200
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1954
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: A296
Case N°: 32 050
Dimensions: 37 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case

Reference 6200 is one of the rarest and most desirable Rolex Submariner models ever made. This reference is historically important since its part of the three different references of the Submariner family that Rolex introduced at Basel Fair in 1954: References 6204, 6205 and 6200. While the first two specimens were water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters, the 6200 was the first model to guarantee a maximum reachable depth of 200 m/330 ft. It is clearly a more specialized watch oriented towards professional use, as can also be deduced from its aesthetic appearance: the case is thicker than previous references and for the first time appeared a new 8 mm Brevet winding crown and, for this reason, is also nicknamed the “Big Crown”, enabled the model’s cutting edge water resistance. This example is one of the best and most original specimens ever offered at auction. Production numbers were extremely limited: their serial numbers range from 31.9xx to around 32.2xx and it is said that fewer than twenty references 6200 with “Explorer” dials are known publicly. Despite the great conditions of the steel case with strong proportions, with factory original bevels and crisp lines and of the oyster riveted bracelet, the present 6200 impresses for the original “Explorer-type” gilt glossy dial, defined by its bold 3, 6, 9 numbers, strongly in contrast with the baton numbers all with a charming ocher color due to the ageing. This configuration, furthermore, confirms scholars stating that the original version of reference 6200 did neither feature the Submariner designation nor the depth rating. Of great importance is the fact that the original hands are still preserved, easily identifiable by their extended length. The iconic reference 6200 is one of the most desirable and collectable of all vintage sports watches and this very one is even more impressive since it was the former property of the John Goldberger collection, one of the most illustrious and respected watch enthusiasts and experts in the horology world.