1954 Rolex Submariner Ref. 6204 "FROGMAN!" Advertisement

1954 Rolex Submariner Ref. 6204 "FROGMAN!" Advertisement

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1954 Rolex Submariner Ref. 6204 "FROGMAN!" Advertisement

1954 Rolex Submariner Ref. 6204 "FROGMAN!" Advertisement

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
57 Reviews
Regular price $795
Regular price Sale price $795
Framing Options

Page Dimensions

Approx. 5 1/8" x 10 1/8" (13cm x 25cm)

Story and Details

Not the "sexiest" Submariner ad. But it's definitely one of - if not THE MOST - important Submariner ads of all time... To my knowledge, this is the very-first magazine advertisement picturing the legendary Submariner model. And it's a good thing that this earliest version Ref. 6204 with "split logo" dial is shown, because nowhere in the copy does the word "Submariner" appear... That's right. In fact, if you read the first paragraph, the new model being presented, targeting those undertaking the new craze of underwater adventuring and exploring, is introduced as the "ROLEX FROGMAN." I think this dive watch design was officially named the "Submariner" by Rolex prior to the ad being published. But for some reason that name isn't used in this particular ad, which is interesting, because there's actually an earlier Rolex ad, not picturing a Submariner, that does print the name. Why this later 1954 ad omits it is mystery requiring further investigation... That's certainly an aspect of the ad that makes it intriguing and clearly links it to the early days of a model that's become so iconic. 

What else tethers this ad to the birth of the Submariner is the ringing endorsement from Dimitri Rebikoff, a man who seemingly lived underwater and devoted his life to all things diving. It's been well-documented that "Mr D. Rebikoff" as the ad refers to him, was a central figure in the development and design of the Submariner. To have his name and words etched into this Rolex relic takes it to the next level. 

In 1954 the Submariner was a novelty. It was decades away from becoming the Grail-worthy object it is today. This ad reminds us of its original intended purpose. It also reminds us how many watches were sold back then. It appears you could just fill in basic information within the dashed box, and along with sending $150, could receive a Frogman in the mail. And the business fulfilling your order... a famous Los Angeles jeweler, which is pretty cool. I personally could go down the rabbit hole learning about the history of Donavan & Seamans...  

This ad is in very-good condition. As you might expect, the paper has perhaps darkened a bit due to age. But otherwise, it's just about perfect, especially considering it's from a fragile publication. It'll certainly look even better if you have me frame it :) And I don't like to say ads are "rare". I prefer to say they're hard to find. But I wouldn't be out of line calling this one rare. 

Pre-owned original magazine advertisement. Image shown is exactly the ad that you'll be receiving.

Framing is handcrafted in Chicago, IL, using acid-free materials for art preservation. The UV-protected, anti-reflective glass ensures optimal viewing. Frames are solid wood featuring a wire for easy hanging and felt pads for wall protection.

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Unframed orders ship by the next business day. You’ll receive an email with tracking info!

Framing is custom. Please allow me up to 2 weeks to finish your framing project. Before I start, I’ll email you to confirm the design and provide an estimated completion and shipping date.

Returns are accepted for unframed ads, if they are in new condition as you received it, within 30 days of purchase.

As all of my ads are highly curated, individually custom framed, and personalized, all sales for framed ads are final.

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All advertisements and images are original – directly from magazines and other types of publications. These are vintage, pre-owned, original pages, so the paper quality and condition varies... I try to show accurate photos of the exact ad/image you'll be receiving.

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framing

Framing is custom-designed and done by hand in Chicago, IL. Acid-free materials are used to preserve your art. Glass offers UV-protection and is anti-reflective for best viewing. Frames are solid wood with wire on back for easy hanging and felt pads to protect wall. 

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Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or special requests... About pricing, condition, framing - ads or magazines you have to sell... I'll get back to you within 48 hours (usually much sooner!). Looking forward to chatting! 

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5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 57 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 57 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend these products
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57 reviews
  • Thaddeus R.
    Verified Reviewer
    Reviewing
    1972 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680 "He'll let in water..." Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    20 hours ago
    Awesome piece of history

    Had a good time meeting Nick at the WindUp Watch Fair in Chicago and sifting through all these time capsules

  • Philip S.
    Reviewing
    1976 Rolex GMT Master Ref. 1675 "If you hunted big game..." Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    6 days ago
    Top-Notch Experience

    This is the third time I’ve acquired collectible ads from Nick over the past five years, and once again the experience was flawless. The service, support, and the ads themselves are all 10/10.

    Nick is a genuinely enthusiastic person who clearly loves what he does. His unique selection, outstanding quality, and deep expertise make him truly one of a kind.

    I’ll definitely continue growing my collection with Nick’s help!

    *attached a picture of a prior purchase - the new ones will be framed next weekend

  • Alex a. E. G. (. a. E.
    Verified Reviewer
    Reviewing
    1968 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 "If you were racing" Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 week ago
    Great Gift

    Nick helped source this ad for a friend. It was a great experience and a well received gift.

  • Kaleb D.
    Verified Reviewer
    Reviewing
    1967 Rolex Daytona "isn't for timing 3-minute eggs." Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 week ago
    Could not be happier with my piece

    I’ve followed Nick’s Instagram for years and have exchanged a few casual messages with him along the way. I’ve always admired his work, and finally decided it was time to make a purchase. The whole process was incredibly fun, collaborative, and easy. We went back and forth on ideas, he created detailed renderings, and ultimately helped bring my vision to life. I couldn’t be happier with the final result and will definitely be ordering more in the future—especially as gifts for friends and family. To top it off, we even grabbed a beer when he was in New York the following week, which was awesome.

  • TP
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    1994 Rolex Datejust and Day Date "Champagne and Oysters" Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 weeks ago
    Tremendous as always

    You cannot be in better hands than with Nick at Ad Petina! He’s lovely to deal with and shipping is extremely fast.

    The ads themselves were in such great condition and packaged to perfection.

    Do not hesitate! Buy as soon as you can!