Rolex Submariner 6538 (Dr.No & Goldfinger)...strap buckle images

[buslor66]

I was just wondering (after a very very long search in search engines), not one image exists of the Rolex Submariner 6538 strap buckle worn by Sean Connery in Dr.No and Goldfinger respectively.

There has been 'replicas' made of the strap, but given the history available for the strap, it has not been confirmed as to what strap it actually was and therefore, what the buckle/tang was actually like (at least i haven't saw any)...
The canvas strap has been recreated to very close proportions by a few individuals but, as for the buckle, it seems that's just a guessing game. I may be missing something here but for me at least, i haven't managed to find any clear detailed images of the buckle.

The closest i have seen; even though i can't find the image again, it looks very rounded and therefore is very similar to the NATO buckle. Before anyone jumps in here, i know that it has been claimed it is not a NATO strap.

I am more interested in the buckle and without clear images of the actual one used in those movies, how is it possible for individuals to state they have the correct one when no clear views are available?

If anyone can provide any images of the buckle, i'd be very interested and appreciate the assistance!

THX

 

[calamityjane]

Hi, Sean in privat had something els when played golf, I know. A very simple looking old thing, I do not know that brand.
Now, hardly not anybody alive from that era to ask. I suggest you to write EON Production, London Office and have them go through list of movieprops used. My guess ,Terence Young’ s Rolex perhaps.

 

[buslor66]

Well...i don't think i'm going to go that far to be honest...
I have searched and searched at every available image i have seen and it is near impossible to see the buckle/clasp or tang or whatever you feel like calling it; not one image shows enough detail to replicate it accurately.

The said Corvus made an exact copy - Well how is that possible when there's no references to go by?. From what i have read, they show an image when Sean Connery is relaxing on set with his watch arm resting his head on his hand - Now, it does show the buckle but, crucially, the grainy fuzzy image is just not clear enough to state categorically that they replicated it exactly.

In fact, like i stated earlier, there is an image (i am trying to locate right now) that shows the buckle as clear as it can get; the problem is that the angle is from viewing it near flat perpendicular to his wrist. With that said, the shape of the buckle seems to be more rounded similar to the NATO (Zulu i think) type - the oval looking buckle; you can clearly see i's rounded profile and curved ends to the buckle.

But who knows - I'll keep looking for the image and if successful, i will post it here and see for yourselves.

I am actually happy with the WatchGecko strap i purchased; the colouring in the flesh is very close to the movie, i was just going to change the buckle when i find the appropriate one.
I'd just be willing to bet that when they made these movies, if the story is truth to what has been said, it wouldn't surprise me if it's just a cheap strap they found quickly with a basic cheap buckle from a basic watch...but that's my opinion.

I'll keep searching images and see what i can find.

 

[Mkempes]

I read somewhere that at that time there was no NATO standard. This was introduced later. So this could/would have been a RAF strap.

Don't ask me how the buckle of an RAF strap of that time looks like.

 

[buslor66]

Yes, i too read that they's actually not had any NATO straps at that time regardless. As for the RAF straps, i'm going to look into these from the 50s onwards and maybe i'll see something interesting.

I'll post here if i do of course, it might help others out at some point

 

[mclarendude]

Must state for the record that Dr. No's Submariner was not Terence Young's but Cubby Broccoli's. After Dr. No's success, they entered into the marketing agreement with Rolex.

If I remember correctly, in Thunderball you can see the clasp/buckle when he takes the radioactive homing beacon on a dock before diving to find the Vulcan torpedos.

Looks like a normal tang buckle.

I will also ask that you post anything related to Rolex to the correct Rolex section to keep it well archived.

 

[buslor66]

@mclarendude That's the image i was searching for!...the bottom one showing the tang/buckle.
From my knowledge in graphics design and perspectives (GFX & 3D CAD design is my other hobby); i have done many liveries, helmet designs and been featured on many websites in the simulation racing community...but i digress

Perspective wise, the buckle/tang's reflection is far too rounded to appear 'flatish' in those straps that stated they created the 'original' from the movie/s, i beg to differ on that, but that's my opinion.

I believe it is a rounded bar like the ZULU type (if that's correct) similar to the NATO but not quite. I highly doubt the prop department would have specifically made a buckle made for the strap; when thinking of budget etc, they just find anything cheap as possible as a rule and if it works, use it.
Regardless, the buckle is rounded from the way the reflection curves and dull in certain areas; it has all the hallmarks of a rounded bar shaped buckle (NATO ZULU style).
It has what looks to be the strap pin through the holes on the strap.

If you look at the image and to the far left side of the buckle, it is clear how rounded the bar is and buckle shape; I say rounded because the buckle becomes darker gradually as the light dissipates around the edge.

The Corvus buckle and the other one that was very similar, they're both too flat for them to be correct.

 

[calamityjane]

Yes, looks round. Remark, in privat he mostly had his watch on right arm, where his big tatoo was.

 

[buslor66]

One learns something new every day!
I didn't know that; I didn't know he had a tattoo either lol.

However, it's fair to say I am a more Roger Moore fan of any Bond actor; it's only recent that I've been viewing all the Bond films from Dr. No so I had not remembered how good Sean Connery was playing Bond .

And with it the watches he wore of course! Ha.

I have to get my 5513 'Live And Let Die' watch completed first; everything has nearly arrived but waiting on the Athaya Crown and tube.
Once that arrived, I can begin the work .

Then it's on to the 6538!

 

[calamityjane]

 

[p0pperini]

I was wearing one of my 6538s yesterday, with what I thought was an exact copy of the movie RAF strap. It even has the correct keeper loop. But they didn't get the buckle right... I agree with @buslor66 - the buckle clearly has a rounded shape, not a flat "bar". And mine has a very ordinary flat bar.

Here's where I got mine: https://www.esprit-nato.com/en/content/10-nato-watch-strap-band-and-james-bond-007

There's another (very blurry but more indicative of the shape) pic on that page.

I'm sure there must be equivalent buckles on eBay... I'm off to have a search!

I also need to find 2mm springbars with shorter sprung sections - as these ones poke out of the holes!

 

[buslor66]

Nice!...very nice version indeed

I'm hoping the one purchase is going to be fantastic in every way - I like the look of the one at the beginning in Goldfinger; the patina looks good but overall, the piece in that scene with the lighter is just awe inspiring!

Me want very bad lol

 

[buslor66]

The bezel isn't accurate though, but other than that, the look is very good

 

[buslor66]

@mclarendude, @calamityjane, @p0pperini

BINGO! - So a just began watching 'Goldfinger' and i couldn't believe what i spotted!

So, right at the beginning, when Bond is just about to place the explosive charge in the 'C4' (i guess), he turns his wrist and learly shows the buckle/tang...When slightly magnified, it is a normal buckle/tang type with SQUARE shape - It hasn't got a flat front to the buckle...it is square(ish) and has more angular edges.

It also appears to have a recess just to the edge of the inside of the buckle where it meets the sides leading to the pin holding the buckle on.

Now, this finding is interesting because either the prop department used different buckles in specifically 'Dr.No, Goldfinger or Thunderball' (which i highly doubt or, the strap is an 'official' strap for something with upgraded buckles for each movie (again...i doubt that theory either).

I believe through all movies, they used the same buckle/tang; but asked the company responsible for creating the strap to provide a new buckle/strap for the next movie.

Regardless, this categorically proves the shape of the Corvus (Phoenix) buckle was incorrect. I will keep searching but it is highly doubtful to find out who actually made the strap. Therefore, at least from the image attached below, i'm going to acquire a buckle as close to what i can see...at least i know it is more angular in design than rounded (i previously stated), but crucially 100% not flat/curved at the front of the buckle.

 

[buslor66]

 

[p0pperini]

@buslor66 I also mentioned the image on the esprite-nato site. Not sure if you saw that, but I'll post it here too for your convenience.

 

[buslor66]

Yes thanks for the image. I do recall mentioning this before; it is a grainy, very difficult image to work with and provide anything definitive.

The image i posted above though, that for me at least, clearly shows the tang is slightly curved at the front and is right-angled to the edges around the entire tang/buckle.

My point being is that it isn't a curved, flat, bevelled front as with the so called 'real' versions of the strap. Also to note, look at the strap holes; they are adorned with grommets around the holes, so that is something else to consider. This strap is becoming more interesting the more one looks at it and investigates...

The tang/buckle to me appears through rough calculation seems to be around 2.5mm to 3mm thick, slightly curved to the front, straight sides and possibly a screw in pin or something like the 2mm 'fat bar' type. The front corners are not entirely round but rounded with a radius roughly 3mm/4mm.

I am even considering machining my own and maybe selling a few to see how people react. I don't think copyright would be an issue as no one knows the real manufacturer anyway .

 

[calamityjane]

Nice if you start selling, I don’t think there is any copyright’s problem. I hope I can be a customer then. I think its only wear and tear around strapholes. Q; did you pay Marv.Repl. over Wise. They do not tale cards or PP.

 

[jamiex]

It's a thumnail type by the looks of it.

Thumbnail brushed screw-in pin buckle for watch bands (Panerai)

Design Thumbnail pin buckle : - efficient attachment with a screw-in spring bar ; - excellent finish ; - large pin machined in the mass. Brushed stainless steel model (mat). A sporty streamlined buckle, with sharp angles. Suited to sport straps, ideally for Panerai. Width (inside...

www.esprit-nato.com

 

[buslor66]

Nice if you start selling, I don’t think there is any copyright’s problem. I hope I can be a customer then. I think its only wear and tear around strapholes. Q; did you pay Marv.Repl. over Wise. They do not tale cards or PP.

I will see how things go with what i can do . I have examined the image in relation to the strap holes; I can 100% guarantee they have eyelet grommets in them. I have enhanced the image in photoshop and the results are clear. They appear to be around 5mm in total diameter and around 2-3mm the holes themselves - There's a lot on Etsy exactly the same, so i might purchase some and see what to do.

I may find a tang/buckle, i am still looking and maybe i'll get lucky, but i have the stainless steel and making one as a prototype will be easy.

In terms of Marvellous Replica:-
I paid trough Wise. It is basically the same as PayPal anyway so i wasn't that concerned - It was the seller i was more concerned about but, it was flawless with him and from making the initial enquiry, i recall it taking around 9-10 days to arrive.
DISCLAIMER: They use a shipping service called 'Special Line' - It by-passes customs and the item goes straight to your countries default postal service.