New Insert and New Shoes on the 6538

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by Bond77

I hate to be "that guy", but the Goldfinger/Thunderball strap was actually a 16mm. Also, his strap was just a straight-through, it didn't have the extra nato keeper flap.

Sorry! (don't hit me!)

PS: Still an awesome watch that I would gladly give my left n*t for.

Correct mate, it is indeed a 16mm strap. Also as you pointed out, it is a RAF style and not a NATO style. I have a RAF style as well, but prefer a nato.

Phoenix only makes them in the 18mm, so that's what I take. They make the best bond strap in the world and is actually distributor to the MOD with these very same straps.. The colors and the material they use was expertly matched, Which is why I pay close to $30 per nato strap. They are the best of the best. They don't use glue or stitching. everything is seamless and heat welded together. Personally 16mm is pushing it for me. I like a little spring bar to show, not a lot. years ago, the company made a 16mm but they stopped production and actually changed the style of the strap. Way back when they used to make straps for the Corvus watch line.

Originally Posted by Bond77

Side note: after decades of seeing that pic and watching that movie...is that even Sean Connery's real wrist? It looks remarkably hair-less.

ian flemming loved rolex and back then, rolex didn't do the whole product placement thing (they still don't). so Flemming gave his personal watch for Cconnery to wear in the movies. I'm sure it is Connery's arm, no reason to use a double. He was much younger then, i.e. less hair.

[Bond77]

If I recall correctly, on the making-of documentary for Dr. No, I believe they say that it was actually director Terrence Young's Sub (on the croc leather strap for the first two movies). I believe Fleming's was a 1016 Explorer.

Regardless, beautiful watch and wear it in good health. And thanks for the info on Phoenix.

[Brunik]

I have several good vintage pieces but my most desired watch is the 6538... no doubts


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[SubKing]

Originally Posted by Bond77

If I recall correctly, on the making-of documentary for Dr. No, I believe they say that it was actually director Terrence Young's Sub (on the croc leather strap for the first two movies). I believe Fleming's was a 1016 Explorer.

Regardless, beautiful watch and wear it in good health. And thanks for the info on Phoenix.

Interesting... I was always under the impression that the 1016 explorer was referred to in his books "oyster perpetual", but in real life, it was said Fleming had several Rolex watches and loaned his own sub due to the waterproofness and Rolex not participating in product placement. But there is a lot of speculation on the net.. who knows who gave what for sure. I find it interesting and a coincidence if the director had a sub to loan if that was the case

[dbhak22]

Originally Posted by SubKing

The insert on that particular watch is what came on this watch from the factory. After a service, Rolex will update the insert with a newer version.

That's why watches That still retain their original factory parts are so expensive and rare.

Back in the day parts were routinely changed durring normal service. No one ever thought these pieces would be worth what they are today. Especially in original factory spec.

Thanks for the edumacation, :)

I am certainly aware (and afraid) of what the service centers will do with "old" parts but wasn't aware that the original had no hash marks on the insert! Funny thing is, this is probably covered in one of my Rolex books but I have a hard time retaining all the info, :(

[Wesley Crusher]

Absolutely killer watch. What a beauty. Wow!