HK$ 6.03 million

The James Bond franchise is one of the most formidable and lucrative the movie industry has ever seen, and it’s no surprise the suave nature and antics of the British secret agent have become the inspiration for timepieces. Although many vintage Rolex Submariners have been flaunted as “James Bond” watches – in Ian Fleming’s original novels the British agent wore no other brand – only the Ref. 6538 with the big crown was actually seen on 007’ s wrist on celluloid. The example sold at Phillips Hong Kong in May 2019 was in great condition, with the lustre of the black lacquer “four liner” dial kept intact over the years and offering an ideal background for the cream- coloured Radium hour markers and hands. Keeping in mind the rarity and condition of this Rolex, it’s no wonder it went under the hammer for the amount that it did.