EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
AuctionsAug 22, 2019
Double Oh No: ‘Bond’ Rolex Fails to Find a Buyer
The Submariner Ref. 6538 was estimated to sell for as much as $280,000 in Sotheby’s “Watches Online: The Driver’s Collection” auction.
This Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538, also called a “James Bond Submariner,” failed to sell in a recent online auction at Sotheby’s.
New York—A rare Rolex model made famous by Sean Connery’s iconic performance as James Bond went up for auction online this week and, surprisingly, didn’t sell.
Sotheby’s estimated that the Rolex Ref. 6538 “James Bond Submariner” leading its “Watches Online: The Driver’s Collection” sale would sell for between $180,000 and $280,000.
Rolex introduced the Submariner Red. 6583 in 1955, bringing with it a new Caliber 1030 movement, a thinner case, more beveled lugs and a larger 8 mm winding crown, according to the auction house.
In 1962, Connery appeared for the first time as James Bond in “Dr. No,” sporting a Rolex Submariner 6538 and giving it a new nickname.
Rolex ceased production of the Ref. 6538 in 1959.
The specific timepiece that appeared in the recent online auction featured four lines of text on its “Tropical” dial, indicating it was Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute-certified, a dial that had faded to a “bright warm brown color” and its original “Red Triangle” bezel insert.
The watch is currently still with Sotheby’s and is available for sale until the end of the month.
It was the highlight of a sale that was a collaboration between the auction house and Bob’s Watches, an online retailer of vintage and pre-owned Rolex watches.
The two curated a group of 18 driving wristwatches to sell, inspired by a group of classic cars offered in RM Sotheby’s upcoming auction held during the famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance automotive charitable event in Monterey, California.
Jonathan Burford, Sotheby’s watches and clocks specialist in Los Angeles, and Paul Altieri, founder and CEO of Bob’s Watches, selected each watch to pair with a car, showcasing the best in watchmaking and automotive technology.
The James Bond Rolex, for example, coincided with the sale of “The Most Famous Car in the World”—the 1965 Aston Martin DB5 “Bond Car,” equipped with 13 functional Bond gadgets as seen in both “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball.”
All 18 watches were on display to the public at the Monterey Conference Center for a few days prior to bidding, which was held Aug. 14 to 20. 
Alongside the Rolex Submariner were rare pieces from Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer and Patek Phillipe.
Other highlights included a Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3710/1A with an integrated bracelet and power reserve indicator that sold for $68,750 (pictured above); a Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680, a stainless steel wristwatch with MK4 “Red Submariner” dial and
Other highlights included a Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3710/1A with an integrated bracelet and power reserve indicator that sold for $68,750 (pictured above); a Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680, a stainless steel wristwatch with MK4 “Red Submariner” dial and
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
bracelet circa 1972 that went for $27,500; and a Rolex Daytona Ref. 116500LN stainless steel chronograph wristwatch that also sold for $27,500.
Meanwhile, two other watches in the sale didn’t sell—a Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 stainless steel chronograph with a “Sigma” dial and oyster bracelet circa 1974, and an Omega Speedmaster Ref. 2998-1 with a “Tropical” dial circa 1960.
Meanwhile, two other watches in the sale didn’t sell—a Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 stainless steel chronograph with a “Sigma” dial and oyster bracelet circa 1974, and an Omega Speedmaster Ref. 2998-1 with a “Tropical” dial circa 1960.
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
