James Bond

Why it matters

James Bond is the vintage Rolex Submariner reference 6538, the big-crown, no-crown-guard diver Sean Connery wore in the early 1960s Bond films. It is a foundational vintage Submariner and one of the most faked and most modified references on the market, because original parts are scarce and valuable.

Never buy a 6538 on trust. Original dials, hands, bezels, and crowns each carry serious value, and frankenwatches built from mixed parts are common. Provenance and an expert inspection decide the price here, not photos.

Common questions

What is a James Bond Rolex?

It is the vintage Rolex Submariner reference 6538, with an oversized winding crown and no crown guards, worn by Sean Connery in the early James Bond films.

Is the James Bond Submariner valuable?

Yes. Original-condition 6538s are among the most collectible vintage Submariners and trade well into six figures. Value depends heavily on originality of the dial, hands, bezel, and crown.

Related terms

• Bart Simpson

  Vintage Submariners from the 1960s with a crown shape that resembles Bart Simpson's spiky hair.

• Red Line Sub

  Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 with 'Submariner' printed in red text on the dial. Only found on the first half of 1680 production. Highly collectible.

• Paul Newman(Paul Newman Daytona, Exotic Dial Daytona)

  Vintage Daytona with exotic Art Deco-style dials featuring contrasting colors and unique fonts. Named after the actor. One of the most valuable Rolex references.

• Frankenwatch / Franken(Frankenwatch, Franken Watch)

  A watch assembled from parts sourced from multiple different watches. Each part may be authentic, but they don't belong together.

• Patina(Watch Patina, Dial Patina)

  Natural aging on dials, hands, or lume that develops over decades. Prized by vintage collectors when it's even and warm-toned.