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anthony94 · 25 October 2022, 01:42 AM

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 · 25 October 2022, 01:46 AM

Holy Smokes; that is an amazing watch.

dhknola · 25 October 2022, 01:47 AM

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

mjolnir2thor · 25 October 2022, 02:49 AM

Quote:

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!!!

Dan S · 25 October 2022, 02:53 AM

You have a great heirloom watch.

Ferdelious · 25 October 2022, 03:27 AM

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 · 25 October 2022, 03:37 AM

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 · 25 October 2022, 03:49 AM

Damn!

That's one helluva first post!

Rolex Submariner 6205 c.1954

LAWW can fix the case lug issue.

TimeLord2 · 25 October 2022, 04:27 AM

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 · 25 October 2022, 05:02 AM

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 · 25 October 2022, 05:09 AM

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

watchcrank · 25 October 2022, 06:01 AM

looks untouched, nice first post.

HarryLime · 25 October 2022, 06:53 AM

Turn off your DMs now, lol

Styles Bitchley · 25 October 2022, 07:33 AM

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 · 25 October 2022, 07:36 AM

This is fantastic.

RIP your DM Inbox.

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

GimmeTheLoupe · 25 October 2022, 08:42 AM

Amazing example

mjolnir2thor · 25 October 2022, 08:52 AM

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?

Rebel · 25 October 2022, 09:18 AM

Wow!

TimeLord2 · 25 October 2022, 09:37 AM

Quote:

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 · 25 October 2022, 09:47 AM

Quote:

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 · 25 October 2022, 09:47 AM

Quote:

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

alwayshere · 25 October 2022, 10:19 AM

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

anthony94 · 25 October 2022, 11:36 AM

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 · 25 October 2022, 12:07 PM

Quote:

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!

Nova1 · 25 October 2022, 12:14 PM

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.

Dan S · 25 October 2022, 12:18 PM

Quote:

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 · 25 October 2022, 12:34 PM

Quote:

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 · 25 October 2022, 01:46 PM

Quote:

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.

HarryLime · 25 October 2022, 03:36 PM

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

BB114 · 25 October 2022, 08:08 PM

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.

25 October 2022, 01:42 AM	#1
anthony94 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Indonesia Posts: 4	Vintage Submariner 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. Attached Images

25 October 2022, 02:53 AM	#5
Dan S 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 6,296	You have a great heirloom watch. __________________ @oldwatchdan on IG

25 October 2022, 03:27 AM	#6
Ferdelious 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: Matt Location: Tampa, FL Watch: Hulk/SD4K/SeaQ/P39 Posts: 3,203	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. __________________ Why is it, "A penny for your thoughts," but, "you have to put your two cents in?" Somebody's making a penny.

25 October 2022, 05:09 AM	#11
Yzord "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Real Name: Alyx Location: Universe Watch: The Gibeon watch Posts: 894	Damn, what a beauty. Keep it safe, mate. __________________ 2022 126720VTNR Sprite - 2020 126719BLRO Meteorite dial - 2018 126333 DJ41 Wimbledon Dial - 2017 114060 SubC No Date - 2017 116613LN SubC Date Two Tone - 2017 116508 Daytona 18K YG Green Dial

25 October 2022, 07:36 AM	#15
linesiders 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: RedSox Nation Watch: U Talkn Bout Wilis Posts: 5,503	This is fantastic. RIP your DM Inbox. Price is closer to that of the average price of a new car __________________ I'm a sailor peg. And I've lost my leg. Climbing up the top sails. I've lost my leg!

25 October 2022, 01:46 AM	#2
dhknola "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: New Orleans Posts: 1,175	Holy Smokes; that is an amazing watch.

25 October 2022, 01:47 AM	#3
dhknola "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: New Orleans Posts: 1,175	Keep it very safe, HIGH value vintage submariner. Case looks amaznig.

25 October 2022, 03:37 AM	#7
Juhuatai 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Chicago Watch: 5508 & 9401 Posts: 641	Is it just me or does it look like the case has been recut? One of the lugs, the lughole is in the chamfer...

25 October 2022, 03:49 AM	#8
Stan Cooper 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Real Name: Stan Cooper Location: Sonoma County, CA Watch: GMT-Master II Posts: 2,889	Damn! That's one helluva first post! Rolex Submariner 6205 c.1954 LAWW can fix the case lug issue. __________________ ♛16710 GMT-Master II, ♛1915 Rolex WW1 Trench Watch, Zelos Thresher 500m GMT Meteorite, Zelos Swordfish 40 200m Ti Blood Moon Meteorite, Hamilton Pilot Chronograph, Ball Roadmaster Pilot GMT COSC Chronometer, Zelos Mako 300M Traveler GMT Meteorite, Seiko SSC813 quartz solar powered chronograph It's weird being the same age as old people. - Stan

25 October 2022, 04:27 AM	#9
TimeLord2 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Valencia, CA Watch: GMT Master 1675/3 Posts: 2,191	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!

25 October 2022, 05:02 AM	#10
Classique Breguet 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: San Francisco Bay Posts: 452	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!

25 October 2022, 06:01 AM	#12
watchcrank "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: michael Location: Florida Watch: explorer II cream Posts: 1,664	looks untouched, nice first post.

25 October 2022, 06:53 AM	#13
HarryLime "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: NY Posts: 676	Turn off your DMs now, lol

25 October 2022, 07:33 AM	#14
Styles Bitchley "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Canada Watch: 1680 Posts: 1,398	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.”

25 October 2022, 08:42 AM	#16
GimmeTheLoupe "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: UK Posts: 20	Amazing example

25 October 2022, 08:52 AM	#17
mjolnir2thor "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: USA Watch: 5226G & 5513(1963) Posts: 352	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?

25 October 2022, 09:18 AM	#18
Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail Location: New Albany Watch: Tudor Sub 75090 Posts: 8,257	Wow! __________________ ------------------------------- Member of the Nylon Nation

25 October 2022, 10:19 AM	#22
alwayshere "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Australia Posts: 1,562	wow... love it. Some interesting stuff coming out of Asia I must admit.

25 October 2022, 11:36 AM	#23
anthony94 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Indonesia Posts: 4	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.

25 October 2022, 12:14 PM	#25
Nova1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Virginia Posts: 127	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.

25 October 2022, 03:36 PM	#29
HarryLime "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: NY Posts: 676	I wouldn't let Rolex Service Center within 100 feet of this watch...

25 October 2022, 08:08 PM	#30
BB114 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: US Posts: 24	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.

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