1955 6536-1 ( formally posted as a 6204)

[ARAY]

Here are more photos of the watch as requested. I've also included the box, test paper and the watch bands.

[Vincent65]

Wow - beauty and very rare. Have a vintage Rolex specialist restore it, by doing the minimum possible, to retain as much originality as you can. By that, I'd suggest a movement-only service, new seals/gaskets, new crystal, and source a correct bezel insert, and correct hand-set. Won't be cheap or easy, but worth it, IMHO., especially as you have the box and papers. Stunning, congrats.

[jdmi32]

Absolutely amazing piece of history you have there. What are your plans for it?

[ARAY]

Uncertain what I will do with it, but selling it is on the table. It would be nice to restore it to some degree. It actually keeps pretty good time as is, but I know it needs servicing.

[Vincent65]

and don't let anyone change that crown!

[Vincent65]

Looks like the hour indices at 3, 4, 5, 6 & 9 have been re-lumed/painted, and not very well, which is a shame... Maybe have an expert dial restorer work some magic on it.

Oh, I see you're thinking of selling it. Good luck, whatever you do.

[jdmi32]

If selling then no need to service or restore as the next owner will likely want to make the call on that. If wearing then there are only a few independent watchmakers I'd trust it with.

[ARAY]

I would be interested in knowing what it is worth as is? Does the Joyeria Riviera Mark add anything to the watch value? From that I can decide if I want to invest in fixing it or selling it.

[Vincent65]

I wouldn't like to guess at value in current state - maybe someone else will venture a figure or range. You're looking at a couple of grand upwards for proper restoration with period-correct parts, though, I reckon.

[marcello pisani]

AFAIK this is the very first " small crown " submariner with " JOYERIA RIVIERA " on the dial.

[ARAY]

Thanks for the reply Marcello. Which is why I'm on the forums here. I couldn't find anything on a 6536-1, 1955, Joyeria Riviera Submariner, no photos...nothing. I did find a 6205 online with the mark, asking $48,000 but it is in excellent condition compared to mine.

[JustinK]

Hello and welcome!

I am sure you will get a lot of offers on this watch but I hope you keep it.

What a piece of history, I am sure this watch has an incredible story, would you mind sharing anything about it and its journey from Cuba to the US?

[ARAY]

The history is a mystery! My grandfather supervised road construction in several countries in Africa in the 1950's and the story was that he purchased this in France before coming home, but that would mean the watch had been previously sold in Cuba and then came back to France?

Another thought my family and I have had, including my Aunt is that a friend owed him money and paid him with the watch. That may be more plausible as he never had traveled to Cuba.

[fmc000]

I suggest posting a similar thread on VRF. Pretty unique watch that needs only a movement service, some cleaning, new seals, maybe some love to the (possibly original) plexy and, of course, a correct bezel insert (this could probably take a lot of time, though).

[Lgear080]

Discussing value is pointless. It's a moving target.

A piece like this could sell into the sky if properly restored as noted above.

[NukeMan]

If you want to sell it, sell it through one of the big auction houses no matter how big bids you will be (or already have been) PM'd. The market is red hot and the sky is the limit having a few freaks do a bid war on it. Value aside it is great to get to see such a unique piece!

[The_Walrus]

Congrats on such an amazing piece

[Im Lauf der Zeit]

Originally Posted by NukeMan

If you want to sell it, sell it through one of the big auction houses no matter how big bids you will be (or already have been) PM'd. The market is red hot and the sky is the limit having a few freaks do a bid war on it. Value aside it is great to get to see such a unique piece!

If you don't keep it (which you should) then big auction house for sure, they will heavily promote a Sub with history like this.

[Old Expat Beast]

Is the guarantee card filled out with the name of the dealer? Doesn't seem to be.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Is the guarantee card filled out with the name of the dealer? Doesn't seem to be.

Looks like its blurred, atleast the SN appears to be

[ARAY]

The card is not filled out...why, I don't know?

[V.lats97nsx]

Absolutely stunning.

[Old Expat Beast]

It's a pity there's no serial number or seller on the warranty.

[NukeMan]

Keep us posted on developments, please!

[watchcrank]

I've seen this on date just and 6202 TOG, valuable but dial quality on this one hurts value.
Freshen up & wear it :-) m

[oldskool65]

You guys mention restorers any leads on that ....
Thanks in advance