We are working with a private collector who has asked us to list some of his collection including this Submariner.
Rolex introduced the Submariner in 1953 and it has become one of their most famous and desirable watches. In 2003 they created a 50th anniversary model with the maxi dial and green bezel insert. Whilst it’s strange to understand now, it wasn’t a great seller and only gained traction when they made a few subtle changes to the dial. This left a relatively limited number of Mark 1 dial watches and they became known as a ‘Flat 4’ and this relates the flatness of the ‘4’ in the ’40’ of the bezel insert (the ‘O’ in Rolex is also slightly flattened and the ‘Swiss Made’ goes over 5 minute markers as against 4). These have become highly sought after and whilst this example has had a bezel insert change during a Rolex service it still retains the rare Mark 1 dial.
Sold in Japan in May 2005, the solid steel case is in excellent condition and has been polished during a recent Rolex service but retains it’s ‘meatiness’. The original Mark 1 dial is in excellent condition and the movement was serviced by Rolex in January 2022 giving it a 2 year Rolex guarantee through to January 2024. In terms of provenance we have:
- The original Rolex guarantee paperwork
- The Rolex Submariner brochure dated 2004
- The Rolex calendar
- Your Rolex Oyster brochure from 2004
- The red chronometer chip and Rolex anchor for the 300m depth rating
- It was also serviced by Rolex in Japan in 2018 and we have the associated paperwork
This is a stunning example of one of the most desirable and rare Rolex Submariners from the last 30 years with faultless provenance. Whilst we cannot guarantee future values if history is any judge it should provide an excellent investment and a fabulous watch to wear.
