6538 Submariner No Date (Big Crown / Gilt dial / red triangle inlay / from 1959)
114.900,00 €
Brand: Rolex
Model: Submariner No Date
Reference: 6538
Year: 1959
Serialnumber: 397XXX
Material: Steel
Bracelet: Steel
Diameter: 40 Millimeter
Condition: very good
Box&Papers: yes, full set
Stunning Big Crown Submariner featuring a rare Swiss-T<25 Gilt service dial and a Red Triangle bezel inlay.
The case is in excellent condition. It has been professionally polished four years ago by an expert in the field—a fact we know because we purchased the watch for a client at that time. The lugs are full, the edges are perfect, and the matte finish is a dream come true.
Since it has been polished, the watch has been part of a comprehensive German collection and has been worn in rotation with numerous other timepieces; however, it shows only minimal signs of wear.
One of the watch’s highlights is the dial. It is the extremely rare Gilt service dial. Rolex produced and installed a limited number of service dials for the Big Crown model up until the mid-1960s. As the era of matte dials began, service dials also transitioned to a matte finish, making this particular dial a truly rare find.
The condition of the dial is equally great. It is a so-called “Full Gloss” Gilt dial, meaning the glossy lacquer surface is perfectly intact and free of cracks. Furthermore, the letters are wonderfully clear and the depth print—which often fades completely on early Radium and Gilt dials—remains remarkably well-preserved.
Of course it features the original lume material from the early 1960s, as confirmed by UV light inspection.
The hands are another highlight: beautiful Gilt hands, including a “Big Lollipop” seconds hand. They also react perfectly under UV light.
The bezel and inlay are another highlight. The watch features an original early brass bezel in fine condition, paired with a “Red Triangle” service inlay. This, too, is an exceptionally rare component, as Rolex produced these inlays for only a brief period. Later on, the switch was made back to the classic style of service inlays.
Finally, the bracelet: a wonderful 7206 “Stretch” Oyster! The clasp code is 4/60, so it likely has been replaced at some point. But hey, I know collectors who would die for this bracelet alone.
Conclusion: A Big Crown Sub with exceptional character. Yes, it has service parts, but if this watch featured original parts of this quality, we would be talking about a price well over of 200k. You get that magnificent look for significantly less.
