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Christine Androsoff · 25 January 2012, 07:40 AM

We have a 1956 Rolex sub 6538 and are trying to find out the rarity, price range and if we should have it cleaned, etc...any info you might have will be helpful. I have now posted pictures that we have. Scroll to end of page.

dom_ · 25 January 2012, 07:43 AM

Pictures, as many as possible please. Front back sides between lugs etc :)

Frogman4me · 25 January 2012, 07:45 AM

We need photos to be any help.

drockadam · 25 January 2012, 07:45 AM

The 6538 Submariner is a real beauty! Post pictures here, our Vintage Experts will give you their opinions.

Mark020 · 25 January 2012, 07:49 AM

2 things:
- Don't accept offers (even not if they are USD 50k)
- Don't have it serviced at an RSC.

And pictures. As much as possible!

jedly1 · 25 January 2012, 07:59 AM

Good pics reqd ...

It could be worth $10K ... If its 369 arabic dia re script l It could be $150k ....

Christine Androsoff · 25 January 2012, 09:01 AM

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imono · 25 January 2012, 09:37 AM

So delicious I want it raw....

apan · 25 January 2012, 09:56 AM

That is a beauty. Look at those chamfers!

Tcaviglioli · 25 January 2012, 10:02 AM

That a beautiful specimen and worth quite a lot in that condition ... The dial is not perfect but still pretty attractive and the case is amazing ...

Best of luck with it!

Cheers

Christine Androsoff · 25 January 2012, 10:07 AM

Should this watch be restored ie it is missing the bezel insert? The RSC has a replacement available. Does anyone have a value range for this watch as we are unable to find anything like it? Are collectors preferring watches to be left as they are or is it better to replace the bezel, have the watch cleaned and serviced?

cruvon · 25 January 2012, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christine Androsoff

Should this watch be restored ie it is missing the bezel insert? The RSC has a replacement available. Does anyone have a value range for this watch as we are unable to find anything like it? Are collectors preferring watches to be left as they are or is it better to replace the bezel, have the watch cleaned and serviced?

Yours is a beautiful watch! If I were you, I would try sourcing a period correct bezel insert and do as little restoration work on it as possible. You can offcourse do a movement service and make sure there's no rust et el on the inside, is fine fixing that. Lastly. I would send it to Bob Ridley or someone with similar vintage Rolex expertise to keep it all original, maybe they could also source a period correct insert for you! Also from the picture, looks like the lume on your hands doesn't exist? If so then you might need new hands too with matching lume. Was the hour marker at 6 and the second hand relumed? The dial is not perfect and not sure if a cleaning can sort that out, again leave it to the experts, but never do a redial or a service replacement!

Frogman4me · 25 January 2012, 10:41 AM

I would get Bob Ridley to work his magic on it.

drockadam · 25 January 2012, 11:38 AM

My god, that is beautiful!

ROGERB · 25 January 2012, 12:19 PM

What do you want to do with it? Sell it, keep it, this really would determine the proper course of action. Family heirloom has a whole different motivation than looking to flip it!
R

Christine Androsoff · 25 January 2012, 12:23 PM

We haven't decided what to do yet.
Does anyone have one of these watches that they can share more info?
Thanks

ROGERB · 25 January 2012, 12:34 PM

If you found this site I'm sure you can "Google" and find tons of internet examples. Using the search engine on this site will also yield some great info. The reason for my inquiry really goes more to how much money you would invest from this point forward if your going to simply sell it in the end. Planning to pass on a inherited piece again changes what advice members here may give. It is a great find regardless

R

jedly1 · 25 January 2012, 12:36 PM

this might help...unfortunately standard gilt dials ..value is all about the glossy !! :(

http://www.thetimetraveler.co/watche...wn-james-bond/

i RETAILED this one earlier this year ..circa £30kgbp / $47-50kusd.... very similar dial condition etc....with good shiny gloss coat it would have been £50kgbp easy

this one had the original bezel insert ...no hash ....which believe it or not can be 10 -15kusd alone to source, big logo rivet bracelet $4-5k and $3k worth of service to get it in tip top mechanical and waterproof condition ready to sell....

work that backwards and allow a margin that a dealer will want of 20-25% for the bother ..... trade value should be circa $20k-4k ....

Christine Androsoff · 25 January 2012, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROGERB

If you found this site I'm sure you can "Google" and find tons of internet examples. Using the search engine on this site will also yield some great info. The reason for my inquiry really goes more to how much money you would invest from this point forward if your going to simply sell it in the end. Planning to pass on a inherited piece again changes what advice members here may give. It is a great find regardless

R

Thanks, we were given the info for this site from a friend. We were unable to find alot of similar watches...This watch may have a 7mm crown. We were also wanting to know if this could be a "tropical"?

Christine Androsoff · 25 January 2012, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedly1

this might help...unfortunately standard gilt dials ..value is all about the glossy !! :(

http://www.thetimetraveler.co/watche...wn-james-bond/

i RETAILED this one earlier this year ..circa £30kgbp / $47-50kusd.... very similar dial condition etc....with good shiny gloss coat it would have been £50kgbp easy

this one had the original bezel insert ...no hash ....which believe it or not can be 10 -15kusd alone to source, big logo rivet bracelet $4-5k and $3k worth of service to get it in tip top mechanical and waterproof condition ready to sell....

work that backwards and allow a margin that a dealer will want of 20-25% for the bother ..... trade value should be circa $20k-4k ....

Thanks for the info, the RSC has a bezel insert and a strap. What are lumes?
Sorry for the lack of knowledge but we didn't know this was a true Rolex until last week lol...

chiko323 · 25 January 2012, 12:59 PM

Don't send that watch to RSC. They will replace parts with newer parts that decrease your value. There is a guy on here and someone should send you his contact info named Bob Ridley. He does excellent work on vintage Rolexes and he can keep it all original and correct for the time period. RSC is only interested in making it "like new" and you dont want that.

cruvon · 25 January 2012, 01:01 PM

The lume is the radium on your watch dial markers and hands that was put in to make the watch glow, it possibly wouldn't glow anymore though I think that radium had a greater half life than tritium which was used later. The RSC bezel insert is a service replacement and most knowledgeable collectors can tell the difference between a service replacement insert and period correct one because there are differences.

Christine Androsoff · 25 January 2012, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiko323

Don't send that watch to RSC. They will replace parts with newer parts that decrease your value. There is a guy on here and someone should send you his contact info named Bob Ridley. He does excellent work on vintage Rolexes and he can keep it all original and correct for the time period. RSC is only interested in making it "like new" and you dont want that.

We are in Canada, so would be unable to take it to Bob Ridley, but we are going to contact him. Thanks!

jedly1 · 25 January 2012, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christine Androsoff

Thanks for the info, the RSC has a bezel insert and a strap. What are lumes?
Sorry for the lack of knowledge but we didn't know this was a true Rolex until last week lol...

Rsc has a REPLACEMENT set of parts which are different to the originals , and do not add value as the originals would or do.

A service bezel inserts is about $150 ... The original style ( as shown on the example) IF you could find one $10-15k :-(

Hawk99 · 25 January 2012, 05:00 PM

I have a watchsmith who services my 1680 Submariner and my friends 1665 Rail Dial, in Victoria BC. He has access to genuine Rolex parts, so he may be any option for you.
Contact me if you need his contact info.

Christine Androsoff · 1 February 2012, 05:14 AM

Does anyone know what the number 18 means under the 1 56 on the inside of watch back? Please refer to picture. Thanks! :)

rjmurph · 1 February 2012, 09:22 AM

not to hijack this thread but Jedly1 are you telling me that My bezel is worth that much $

shairan · 1 February 2012, 09:32 AM

If you could share how the watch came to you, many would be interested to hear unless it is personal. What a beauty!

Michael M. · 1 February 2012, 10:39 AM

Send it to Bob Ridley!!!!

Rickster · 1 February 2012, 11:21 AM

Hey great piece! Jed has givin you some great advise and his prices are bang on. I'll just add to find all he parts he talking about will take a long time... Maybe years. So if your plan is to sell its probably not going to be worth trying to fix it up. However if you want to keep it (oh and I would! Lol) contact bob Ridley. I'm in Canada and have sent him my watch with no issues. Good luck with it!

25 January 2012, 07:40 AM	#1
Christine Androsoff Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 17	1956 Rolex Submariner 6538 We have a 1956 Rolex sub 6538 and are trying to find out the rarity, price range and if we should have it cleaned, etc...any info you might have will be helpful. I have now posted pictures that we have. Scroll to end of page.

25 January 2012, 07:45 AM	#4
drockadam "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Adam Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: Pepsi. Posts: 5,749	The 6538 Submariner is a real beauty! Post pictures here, our Vintage Experts will give you their opinions. __________________ - Adam Instagram: @GMTSUBTIME

25 January 2012, 09:01 AM	#7
Christine Androsoff Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 17	Pictures 1956 Rolex Sub 6538

25 January 2012, 11:38 AM	#14
drockadam "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Adam Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: Pepsi. Posts: 5,749	My god, that is beautiful! __________________ - Adam Instagram: @GMTSUBTIME

25 January 2012, 01:01 PM	#22
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	The lume is the radium on your watch dial markers and hands that was put in to make the watch glow, it possibly wouldn't glow anymore though I think that radium had a greater half life than tritium which was used later. The RSC bezel insert is a service replacement and most knowledgeable collectors can tell the difference between a service replacement insert and period correct one because there are differences. __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

25 January 2012, 07:43 AM	#2
dom_ "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: England Posts: 134	Pictures, as many as possible please. Front back sides between lugs etc :)

25 January 2012, 07:45 AM	#3
Frogman4me Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,268	We need photos to be any help.

25 January 2012, 07:49 AM	#5
Mark020 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 2,133	2 things: - Don't accept offers (even not if they are USD 50k) - Don't have it serviced at an RSC. And pictures. As much as possible!

25 January 2012, 07:59 AM	#6
jedly1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: mel(oz)/Yorks(uk) Posts: 1,929	Good pics reqd ... It could be worth $10K ... If its 369 arabic dia re script l It could be $150k ....

25 January 2012, 09:37 AM	#8
imono "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: USA Posts: 3,241	So delicious I want it raw....

25 January 2012, 09:56 AM	#9
apan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 170	That is a beauty. Look at those chamfers!

25 January 2012, 10:02 AM	#10
Tcaviglioli "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Thomas Location: london Watch: 5512, 6263, 6265 Posts: 104	That a beautiful specimen and worth quite a lot in that condition ... The dial is not perfect but still pretty attractive and the case is amazing ... Best of luck with it! Cheers

25 January 2012, 10:07 AM	#11
Christine Androsoff Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 17	Should this watch be restored ie it is missing the bezel insert? The RSC has a replacement available. Does anyone have a value range for this watch as we are unable to find anything like it? Are collectors preferring watches to be left as they are or is it better to replace the bezel, have the watch cleaned and serviced?

25 January 2012, 10:41 AM	#13
Frogman4me Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,268	I would get Bob Ridley to work his magic on it.

25 January 2012, 12:19 PM	#15
ROGERB "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Roger Location: WHITE ROCK BC Watch: 89 16610, 57 7914, Posts: 897	What do you want to do with it? Sell it, keep it, this really would determine the proper course of action. Family heirloom has a whole different motivation than looking to flip it! R

25 January 2012, 12:23 PM	#16
Christine Androsoff Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 17	We haven't decided what to do yet. Does anyone have one of these watches that they can share more info? Thanks

25 January 2012, 12:34 PM	#17
ROGERB "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Roger Location: WHITE ROCK BC Watch: 89 16610, 57 7914, Posts: 897	If you found this site I'm sure you can "Google" and find tons of internet examples. Using the search engine on this site will also yield some great info. The reason for my inquiry really goes more to how much money you would invest from this point forward if your going to simply sell it in the end. Planning to pass on a inherited piece again changes what advice members here may give. It is a great find regardless R

25 January 2012, 12:36 PM	#18
jedly1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: mel(oz)/Yorks(uk) Posts: 1,929	this might help...unfortunately standard gilt dials ..value is all about the glossy !! :( http://www.thetimetraveler.co/watche...wn-james-bond/ i RETAILED this one earlier this year ..circa £30kgbp / $47-50kusd.... very similar dial condition etc....with good shiny gloss coat it would have been £50kgbp easy this one had the original bezel insert ...no hash ....which believe it or not can be 10 -15kusd alone to source, big logo rivet bracelet $4-5k and $3k worth of service to get it in tip top mechanical and waterproof condition ready to sell.... work that backwards and allow a margin that a dealer will want of 20-25% for the bother ..... trade value should be circa $20k-4k ....

25 January 2012, 12:59 PM	#21
chiko323 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: MA Watch: AP & Rolex Posts: 953	Don't send that watch to RSC. They will replace parts with newer parts that decrease your value. There is a guy on here and someone should send you his contact info named Bob Ridley. He does excellent work on vintage Rolexes and he can keep it all original and correct for the time period. RSC is only interested in making it "like new" and you dont want that.

25 January 2012, 05:00 PM	#25
Hawk99 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: BC Posts: 388	I have a watchsmith who services my 1680 Submariner and my friends 1665 Rail Dial, in Victoria BC. He has access to genuine Rolex parts, so he may be any option for you. Contact me if you need his contact info.

1 February 2012, 05:14 AM	#26
Christine Androsoff Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 17	1956 Submariner 6538 Does anyone know what the number 18 means under the 1 56 on the inside of watch back? Please refer to picture. Thanks! :)

1 February 2012, 09:22 AM	#27
rjmurph "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: ny Posts: 21	not to hijack this thread but Jedly1 are you telling me that My bezel is worth that much $ Attached Images

1 February 2012, 09:32 AM	#28
shairan "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Malaysia Posts: 26	If you could share how the watch came to you, many would be interested to hear unless it is personal. What a beauty!

1 February 2012, 10:39 AM	#29
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Send it to Bob Ridley!!!!

1 February 2012, 11:21 AM	#30
Rickster "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Rick Location: London, Ont. Posts: 666	Hey great piece! Jed has givin you some great advise and his prices are bang on. I'll just add to find all he parts he talking about will take a long time... Maybe years. So if your plan is to sell its probably not going to be worth trying to fix it up. However if you want to keep it (oh and I would! Lol) contact bob Ridley. I'm in Canada and have sent him my watch with no issues. Good luck with it!

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