Description An early Rolex small crown Submariner wristwatch, ref 6205 Year: 1954 Model/Reference No: 6205 Case: 37mm, stainless steel, No. 21481 (obscured), with later rotating time elapse bezel Dial: Matte black dial, radium hour markers, gilt minute track and script, luminous gilt pencil minute and hour hands, lollipop tip second hand, signed Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Movement: Automatic Case: Reference no. 6205 Bracelet: 6 inches, with two additional links (3/4 inch total), stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 65 Clasp: Stainless steel Rolex deployment clasp, stamped 165 patented and registered Swiss made Steelinox Accompanied by service paperwork (available upon request). Provenance: From the Collection of a United States Navy Lieutenant. Catalogue Essay: The timepiece, reference number 6205, is an early model of the Rolex Submariner. It was produced only second to 6204, and was later followed by 6200. Reference 6205 is one of three early models produced in 1954, including reference numbers 6204 and 6200. Although reference 6205 was produced the same year as 6204 and 6200, it quickly ceased production, while other models continued to enter the market. These early models marked the beginning of a 60+ year evolution of the Submariner. References 6204, 6200 and 6205, share major aesthetic differences from their later counterparts, marking a major shift in its design progression. Reference 6205, was one of the first models to display the name ‘Submariner. The dial does not feature the Submariner's now iconic Mercedes hands, but pencil hands which are sought-after by collectors. Reference 6205 is considered ‘small crown', as models today are easily identified by their oversized crown, a feature beginning with reference 6200. The watch remains intact with its original riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet.