Project X Designs Celebrates Rolex Submariner's 60th Anniversary

The Rolex Submariner is a true icon of modern design, what many consider to be the most beautiful sports watch ever made. 2014 marks the 60th anniversary of the model's debut at the Swiss Watch Fair in 1954, and London's Project X Designs has come up with an impressive tribute to the timepiece worn by everyone from Fidel Castro to James Bond. The ultra high-end Rolex customizer's newly unveiled Heritage Submariner is a clever, elegant and completely unique timepiece that combines modern Rolex craftsmanship with "new old stock", authentic parts and bespoke details. The Heritage Submariner, or HS01, is the first model in the new Vintage Fusion line created by Project X's renowned Rolex experts Daniel Bourn and Philipp Stahl.

Designed in homage to the legendary James Bond "Big Crown" Submariner of the 1950s, much coveted by Rolex collectors, only 60 numbered examples of the HS01 will be available for sale to clients worldwide. Key design elements include removing the crown guards, adding a "magical" flared bevel and a red bezel triangle, giving the dial and hand lume a vintage patina, and changing the seconds hand to a white enamel. The HS01 is priced at £15,000, or about $23,800. Project X Designs, founded by Bourn in in 2009, has gained an impressive following amongst Rolex connoisseurs. Fans of the brand include two men who have played 007, Roger Moore and Daniel Craig.