Vintage Submariner

[anthony94]

Hi guys!

I'm not much of a watch guy, but the other day I found a watch belonging to my grandpa. The thing is I don't know if it's original. Could you give me some insight on this?

I've managed to remove the armband to find the code.

The code above the 12 hour mark is BREVET + 6205 and the one below the 6 hour mark is 85955.

Thank you.

[dhknola]

Holy Smokes; that is an amazing watch.

[mjolnir2thor]

Originally Posted by dhknola

Holy Smokes; that is an amazing watch.

That was my thinking as well!!!

From a sentimental perspective, there's no way to place a value on it, but given the condition and age It's got to be worth a fortune. The more senior folks on the forum can comment.

Amazing!!!

[dhknola]

Keep it very safe, HIGH value vintage submariner. Case looks amaznig.

[Dan S]

You have a great heirloom watch.

[Ferdelious]

Wow, amazing watch. Here is a little info on the reference:

The 6204, 6205, and 6200 were the earliest iterations of Rolex’s iconic Submariner, all launched in 1954. The first reference 6204 was quickly followed that year by the models 6205 and 6200, and while the other references remained in production, the reference 6205 was only manufactured between 1954 and 1955, making it one of the rarest Submariners to exist. References 6204 and 6205 were considered “small crown” models (6mm), while the reference 6200 today is known as the “big crown” for its oversized crown at 8mm.

[Juhuatai]

Is it just me or does it look like the case has been recut? One of the lugs, the lughole is in the chamfer...

[Stan Cooper]

Damn! That's one helluva first post!

Rolex Submariner 6205 c.1954



LAWW can fix the case lug issue.

[TimeLord2]

So very cool! Would love to see a picture of the dial in natural sunlight to see the texture of the dial. It does look to be in great condition all things considered—like almost 70 years!

[Classique Breguet]

Just FYI, that is a real RADIUM Dial which is radioactive above "safe" levels.

So you should immediately send the watch to me for safe keeping ;0)

Congrats on the find!

[Yzord]

Damn, what a beauty. Keep it safe, mate.

[watchcrank]

looks untouched, nice first post.

[HarryLime]

Turn off your DMs now, lol

[Styles Bitchley]

Sometimes grandpa has junk, sometimes he has something interesting, and then there’s this! Insane that these are still out there waiting to be “discovered.”

[linesiders]

This is fantastic.

RIP your DM Inbox.

Price is closer to that of the average price of a new car

[GimmeTheLoupe]

Amazing example

[mjolnir2thor]

Question... Looking at the case, it seems to me that the chamfers look large on the lugs of the watch. Was this normal during the period when the case was manufactured or do you think the has the chamfers been touched up?

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by mjolnir2thor

Question... Looking at the case, it seems to me that the chamfers look large on the lugs of the watch. Was this normal during the period when the case was manufactured or do you think the has the chamfers been touched up?

Yes. Chamfers were much wider on early Submariners and some GMTs. You can see them pretty much the same width as the OPs watch in the link Stan posted. Comment #8. Here is also a short discussion on Chamfer dimensions from TRF, https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=457056

[mjolnir2thor]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Yes. Chamfers were much wider on early Submariners and some GMTs. You can see them pretty much the same width as the OPs watch in the link Stan posted. Comment #8. Here is also a short discussion on Chamfer dimensions from TRF, https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=457056

Got it! Makes sense now and learned something new!

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Yes. Chamfers were much wider on early Submariners and some GMTs. You can see them pretty much the same width as the OPs watch in the link Stan posted. Comment #8. Here is also a short discussion on Chamfer dimensions from TRF, https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=457056

Yes

[Rebel]

Wow!

[alwayshere]

wow... love it. Some interesting stuff coming out of Asia I must admit.

[anthony94]

Hey guys, thanks for all the response. I will take it to the Rolex Service Center tomorrow to check it. One of the spring bars needs replacement I think.

I'll post some more pictures soon.

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by anthony94

Hey guys, thanks for all the response. I will take it to the Rolex Service Center tomorrow to check it. One of the spring bars needs replacement I think.

I'll post some more pictures soon.

Don’t let them polish it or do much of anything. I suggest you do a bunch of research on this reference before doing anything. New spring bars is probably okay but I’d even ask to keep the old ones as it looks like they may be original to the watch!

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by anthony94

Hey guys, thanks for all the response. I will take it to the Rolex Service Center tomorrow to check it. One of the spring bars needs replacement I think.

I'll post some more pictures soon.

No need to rush. Take your time and make careful decisions.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by anthony94

Hey guys, thanks for all the response. I will take it to the Rolex Service Center tomorrow to check it. One of the spring bars needs replacement I think.

I'll post some more pictures soon.

I would not let them do anything beyond Springbars, for now. You have a rare and valuable piece that everyone is going to want a part of, many of those that would ruin it. Do a little research have some patience, see who local Vintage Rolex people recommend for service / advice.

[indianmachine]

Originally Posted by anthony94

Hey guys, thanks for all the response. I will take it to the Rolex Service Center tomorrow to check it. One of the spring bars needs replacement I think.

I'll post some more pictures soon.

I wouldn't even take it to the RSC. They could potentially do more harm than good to it.

[Nova1]

I wouldn’t touch this watch man. Don’t do anything with it. Put it in a safe and that’s that. No need to wear it, maybe for your first child’s wedding or something but this isn’t a wearer.

[HarryLime]

I wouldn't let Rolex Service Center within 100 feet of this watch...

[BB114]

I agree. Do Not take it to a Rolex Dealer…..that watch must be taken care by a vintage expert…..unfortunately, the Rolex Service Center is not one.