SOLD-Rolex Submariner reference 6536-1 from 1957 with a gilt dial

We are proud to present a really gorgeous tropical Submariner from 1957. Rolex introduced the Submariner in 1953, so this is a really early one with a very nice brown dial. The glossy gilt dial with radium hour markers is completely original and untouched (NO repaint NO relume) and has turned completely tropical with really nice different shades of brown. It looks completely similar as the example in the Mondani book; so get yourself the textbook example!

The 6536-1 reference

Rolex introduced the Submariner in 1953. Two years later they came with 6536-1 reference which was sold until 1959. It’s a really nice clean Submariner model with its thin case and its small crown.  With the later 5508 reference,  collectors call these the small crown Subs due to the small 6mm size of the crown and the thin case without crown guards. The case and lugs are thinner than the later models and the case and back are stamped 6536/1 and III.57 (meaning 3th quarter of 1957). The 6536-1 has gilt Mercedes hands powered by the early cal. 1030 movement with butterfly rotor.

So this is is the quintessential pure sleek looking Submariner. Tudor has introduced the Black bay with a similar kind of look.

Condition report

This particular watch has just undergone a full service. This work was carried out by our Rolex authorized watchmaker using Rolex parts. This stunning example of the Rolex Submariner 6536-1 reference comes with a  very nice tropical brown gilt dial. The dial has a beautifully even gloss black paint with uniform caramel brown patina, and full and intact lume plots with an excellent matching hand set. Comes with a dome plexi crystal, under which the dial markers are warm and creamy with sharp and bold gilt text, a truly original and well preserved dial that classes this example in the premium range for condition.

If you’re looking for an honest and no questions example, this is it, a true rarity as these rarely become available in this condition. Check the high res pics, even more stunning in the flesh, and no disappointments.

• Dial: Original beautiful glossy caramel tropical brown gilt dial. The dial has a really nice even patina with a kind of creamy colour tritium. This dial has a beautiful brown patina. Lume plots are original, untouched and are positive on a Geiger counter.
  Hands: Original Radium gilt steel hands. The creamy patina of the hands match the patina of the hour markers perfectly. Early 6536-1 until 57 have big lollipop second hands and later ones such as this one have a white second hand
• Case: case has been polished before. The lugs are still thick & even showing bevels.. lugs and pointed crown guards that has been well preserved and looked after. Reference & serial numbers are fully legible. Case shows wear but very reasonable for its age (Please see pictures). Inside case and movement is sharp and ultra clean with no corrosion, beautifully aged. Correct original single coronet double lock crown (without later 3 dots). Serial number in the correct range with clear numbers between lugs and correct inner caseback stamp dating it to third Quarter - 111/1957.
• Bezel: fitted with the original brass bezel ring and a fat font bezel inlay (note not with the red hash)
• Bracelet: excellent Rolex USA riveted oyster bracelet. Bracelet has some stretch and wear but is in really great wearable condition.
• Movement: Just serviced by our watchmaker. Running perfectly with a one year service warranty. The watch carries the self-winding automatic 1030 movement polished decorations and circular Côtes de Genève finishing. The movement features 25 jewels and a bi-directional central rotor, beating at 18,000 A/h, with a power reserve of 42-hours. The movement is clean, and during the time of testing the watch was fully functional.
• Accessories: None.
• Notes: Absolutely stunning example of a super desirable Rolex Submariner 6536-1 with an attractive dial, original gilthands, original bezel and later bracelet. Very hard to find these in this condition.

Overall, the Rolex Submariner 6536-1 is noteworthy, both for its design and execution. This Rolex Submariner 6536-1 is remarkably well preserved.  As with all of our pre-owned watches this watch comes with a full 12 month warranty with ourselves that will be invoked from the day of purchase. If you put it on your wrist, you feel you have locked and Wrist Icon!

Viewings can be arranged at our office by appointment

• Brand: Rolex
• Model: Submariner
• Serial numbe: 3061xx
• Reference: 6536-1  
• Year: Circa 1957
• caliber: Automatic 1030 movement without/date. rhodium-plated, 25 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring.
• Case: It has a stainless steel case with screw down case back. waterproof screw-down crown, rotatable time-lapse diver's bezel, acrylic crystal.            Excellent case with reasonable wear from use. Inner caseback has printed III 57
• Bezel and insert: comes with a lightly faded fat font bezel insert
• Dimensions: 37 mm diameter;
• Crystal: Plexiglass
• Dial: gilt meters first two liner white SWISS only dial with warm creamy tritium hour markers.
• Bracelet/Strap: stainless steel American Rolex riveted oyster bracelet folded oyster bracelet with a Rolex signed  buckle. It wears really good, bracelet has been polished and the Rolex crown on the clasp is nice & fully working
• Lug width: 20mm
• Box/Papers: only watch