Brevet Rolex

[dfy]

I am finding it difficult to find any reference for a Rolex, Day Date, it has brevet stamped on the upper case and a brevet emblem under the Rolex emblem on the crown. It's a 6511. Is this a rare watch or something?
D

[Tools]

The 6511 Day Date was the very first reference for this model, released in 1956.

It was only produced for one year but was considered to have a marginal movement so it was replaced by the 6611 which had the "new" micro-stella movement which then earned it "chronometer" status.

A 6511 would have some value for a collector..

[Destroy]

"BREVET" is a derivative of a french word (brevete) meaning "patented". I believe the BREVET (twin-lock?) crown was a patent that Rolex put forward at a particular date - your watch. I think it was the 50s..... But to answer your question, yes, they are RARE.

[maverick]

Originally Posted by dfy

I am finding it difficult to find any reference for a Rolex, Day Date, it has brevet stamped on the upper case and a brevet emblem under the Rolex emblem on the crown. It's a 6511. Is this a rare watch or something?
D

If it's in any reasonable condition it is worth a LOT of money. I'd love to see pics. =) maverick

[SPACE-DWELLER]

The early "James Bond" Subs also had a large winding crown with the writing "Brevet" on it.

I would also very much like to see a pic of that DD!

[BiG JeEzY]

Originally Posted by Tools

The 6511 Day Date was the very first reference for this model, released in 1956.

It was only produced for one year but was considered to have a marginal movement so it was replaced by the 6611 which had the "new" micro-stella movement which then earned it "chronometer" status.

A 6511 would have some value for a collector..

I wonder if former United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower wore a 6511 Day Date. He was the current president in 1956. It could be a possibility because there were records that he did wear a DD. It might have been given to him for his efforts during World War II.

[dfy]

Here are a few late night pics!
D

[dfy]

Here are a few late night pics!
D

[mike]

BREVET with the + symbol - usually on big crowns- means Swiss Patent. It was used untill about the late 50s or so when Rolex went to an underline which means Twinlock.

[Tools]

That one would be interesting to research...I was under the understanding that the "superlative chronometer" was not on the dial until the later 6611's..

If original, it would be about as valuable as a new gold DD...

[dfy]

I am going to sell it tomorrow for $4,500, would you say thats fair?
D