Alan Peter Olson ( 1926-1978 ) on an excavation in Colorado , July 1961 , wearing his ʻBig Crownʼ
279 . Rolex
A very fine and very rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds , black lacquer dial and big crown
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Manufacturer Rolex Year 1958
Reference No . 6538 Movement No . N809127 Case No . 383 ’ 746 Model Name Submariner Material Stainless steel Calibre Automatic , 1030 ,
25 jewels Bracelet / Strap Black leather strap Clasp / Buckle Stainless steel
Rolex buckle Dimensions 38 mm . diameter Signed
Case , dial and movement signed
Estimate HKD 480,000-800,000 USD 60,000-100,000
Provenance Formerly in the collection of Alan Peter Olson ( 1926-1978 )
Literature For another example of a reference 6538 , please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger , page 206 and 207 .
Reference 6538 was released in 1955 and ceased production circa 1959 . The value and desirability of this reference has increased immensely over the years . The present example is highly charismatic and has so much character . The rarity of the present watch is highlighted by its original insert , big crown and ‘ 4 line ’ black lacquer dial with gilt graphics , 200m = 660ft depth rating and ‘ Officially Certified Chronometer ’ printed in white .
The inside case back is stamped 1.58 , indicating production of the first quarter of that year and the case still retains very good proportions . The dial is perhaps the most pleasing and rare feature about this big crown Submariner . It has aged consistently over the years , with warm orange lumes . The dial also displays what we today call ‘ spider webbing ’ throughout , which is consistent with its age , and now sought after today amongst collectors .
It is interesting to note that this watch once belonged to Alan Peter Olson ( 1926-1978 ), the respected Archeologist and Paleontologist . Olson most notably conducted research on the Ancient Navajos in Arizona during his time as curator of anthropology at the Museum of Northern Arizona . In 1964 , Olson discovered new evidence suggesting that prehistoric people , dating as far as 4000 years ago , lived in the Grand Canyon and other major canyon areas in Northern Arizona . Olson wore this exact watch during his many excavations , attesting to both its practicality as a tool watch , and beauty in terms of aesthetics .
Alan Peter Olson ( 1926-1978 ) wearing his 6538