How James Bond Made the Submariner Rolex’s Coolest, Most Recognized Watch

With devotees from Steve McQueen to Adam Levine

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One of the classic moments from the James Bond films takes place in the first few minutes of 1964's Goldfinger. Having wiggled out of his wet suit, Sean Connery steps into a smoky Latin nightclub where he flicks his cigarette lighter to check the time on his wristwatch. The time is important because Bond has set a bomb to blow up a hidden heroin lab. The watch is important, too. It is a Rolex Submariner 6538.

Photo: Nick Ferrari

Let's just dispense with the model numbers, shall we? All you really need to say is Submariner to win that instant look of recognition and envy that's half the reason people drop $8,550 on a wristwatch anyway.

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