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  1. Bond Watches, James Bond Watches exhibit to feature Rolex 6538 Submariner

    By Guest writer on 2010-05-17

    Rolex 6538 Submariner to be shown at National Watch & Clock Museum “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibit, June 18, 2010 – April 30, 2011

    Written by: Dell Deaton, www.jamesbondwatches.com author-creator

    Thanks to the efforts of Bob Ridley and his Watchmakers International, the “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibit will feature on display a restored Rolex Submariner 6538 model throughout its run at the National Watch & Clock Museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania.

    Although publications such as WatchTime and researchers including James Dowling have discussed a range of possibilities, no credentialed expert has ever officially gone on record to identify an exact reference number for the Dr. No Rolex Submariner worn by actor Sean Connery as James Bond in that film.

    Until now.

    Screen Capture: James Bond Ultimate Edition, 'Dr. No' (feature film), (c)1962 United Artists Corporation and Danjaq, LLC

    Screen Capture: James Bond Ultimate Edition, Dr. No (feature film), ©1962 United Artists Corporation and Danjaq, LLC

    At the specific request of JamesBondWatches.com, the world renowned Rolex trader and author Franca E. Guido Mondani studied the wristwatch images that appeared on screen in Dr. No and personally identified this for our publication as a 6538 model. This follows up on with even greater specificity on research published in the limited edition text on which he served as editor, Rolex Submariner Story, 2009 edition.

    With this information, I approached Watchmakers International in my role as Guest Curator for the upcoming “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibit to see if he could make a 6538 available for display as part of this at the National Watch & Clock Museum, June 18, 2010, through April 30, 2011. In response, he’s not only been able to make just such arrangements, but the 6538 to be displayed is one that he has personally restored.

    Bob Ridley and Watchmakers International is not only one of the foremost restorers of vintage Rolex pieces, but also exclusive sponsor for our display of Ian Fleming’s personal Rolex as part of the exhibit.


    Dell Deaton is the creator-author of JamesBondWatches.com and guest curator for the “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibition, June 18, 2010 through April 30, 2011. He is a member of both the National Watch & Clock Association and American Marketing Association, and a recognized expert on Ian Fleming and James Bond horology. Previously, he was elected to a three-year term on the board of directors that governs the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, and served three terms on the editorial advisory board for Exhibitor Publications.