Rolexopedia

Reference:6536: Difference between revisions

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 6536 Submariner}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 6536 Submariner}}
{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Submariner 6536 — Early Gilt No-Crown-Guard, 1955–1958 | Rolexopedia
|title=Rolex Submariner 6536, Early Gilt No-Crown-Guard, 1955–1958 | Rolexopedia
|description=The 6536 and 6536/1 are the last small-crown 100m no-crown-guard Submariners. 1955 to 1959, ~5,350 produced. Caliber 1030 bidirectional automatic. Sotheby's 2018 USD 225,000 record for III.57 case 306,989.
|description=The 6536 and 6536/1 are the last small-crown 100m no-crown-guard Submariners. 1955 to 1959, ~5,350 produced. Caliber 1030 bidirectional automatic. Sotheby's 2018 USD 225,000 record for III.57 case 306,989.
|keywords=Rolex, 6536, 6536/1, Submariner, small crown, caliber 1030, butterfly rotor, no crown guards
|keywords=Rolex, 6536, 6536/1, Submariner, small crown, caliber 1030, butterfly rotor, no crown guards
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<span id="core-facts"></span>
<span id="core-facts"></span>


== Core facts ==
==Core facts==


{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
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|-
|-
| total produced (parent 6536)
| total produced (parent 6536)
| 5,350 pieces 1955–1959. The five no-crown-guard Submariner references (6200, 6204, 6205, 6536, 6538) total 12,144 pieces — the 6536 is roughly 44% of all pre-crown-guard Submariners
| 5,350 pieces 1955–1959. The five no-crown-guard Submariner references (6200, 6204, 6205, 6536, 6538) total 12,144 pieces, the 6536 is roughly 44% of all pre-crown-guard Submariners
|-
|-
| case
| case
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|-
|-
| crown
| crown
| 6mm Brevet — distinct from the 8mm big-crown 6538 / 5510 and the later 7mm guarded 5512 / 5513
| 6mm Brevet, distinct from the 8mm big-crown 6538 / 5510 and the later 7mm guarded 5512 / 5513
|-
|-
| crown guards
| crown guards
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|-
|-
| depth rating
| depth rating
| 100m / 330ft — the last Submariner with 100m rating
| 100m / 330ft, the last Submariner with 100m rating
|-
|-
| crystal
| crystal
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 6536 red-depth-photo.webp|alt=6536-1 with red depth rating text|6536-1 with red depth rating text
File:Ref 6536 red-depth-photo.webp|alt=6536-1 with red depth rating text|6536-1 with red depth rating text
File:Ref 6536 gilt-dial-photo.webp|alt=6536 gilt dial — standard 1956 production|6536 gilt dial — standard 1956 production
File:Ref 6536 gilt-dial-photo.webp|alt=6536 gilt dial, standard 1956 production|6536 gilt dial, standard 1956 production
File:Ref 6536 dial-detail.webp|alt=6536 dial close-up, gilt-gold 100m=330ft depth text|6536 dial close-up, gilt-gold depth text
File:Ref 6536 dial-detail.webp|alt=6536 dial close-up, gilt-gold 100m=330ft depth text|6536 dial close-up, gilt-gold depth text
</gallery>
</gallery>
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=== Dial finish evolution ===
=== Dial finish evolution ===


Le Monde Edmond's comparative study of three 6536/1 examples documents the dial finish shifting from a matte quality in early 1957 production to an increasingly glossy finish by 1959 — late examples read as fully glossy gilt. Lume colour shifted in parallel: whitish-beige in early examples, orange in the middle of the run, and back to beige in late production.
Le Monde Edmond's comparative study of three 6536/1 examples documents the dial finish shifting from a matte quality in early 1957 production to an increasingly glossy finish by 1959, late examples read as fully glossy gilt. Lume colour shifted in parallel: whitish-beige in early examples, orange in the middle of the run, and back to beige in late production.


<span id="two-line-four-line-occ-scoc"></span>
<span id="two-line-four-line-occ-scoc"></span>
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=== Bezel variants ===
=== Bezel variants ===


Le Monde Edmond's three-watch study captures the bezel evolution within 1957 alone. The earliest 1957 examples carry a silver triangle at zero with no hash marks across the first fifteen minutes — the cleanest and earliest layout. Mid-production examples from 1957 to 1958 keep the no-hash layout but switch to a red triangle at zero, a shift confirmed on a dated 1958 example. Late 1959 production carries the red triangle alongside individual minute hash marks across the first fifteen minutes, the closest ancestor to the bezel that defines the 5512.
Le Monde Edmond's three-watch study captures the bezel evolution within 1957 alone. The earliest 1957 examples carry a silver triangle at zero with no hash marks across the first fifteen minutes, the cleanest and earliest layout. Mid-production examples from 1957 to 1958 keep the no-hash layout but switch to a red triangle at zero, a shift confirmed on a dated 1958 example. Late 1959 production carries the red triangle alongside individual minute hash marks across the first fifteen minutes, the closest ancestor to the bezel that defines the 5512.


<span id="invert-dial-variant"></span>
<span id="invert-dial-variant"></span>
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<span id="6536-1-vs-5508-side-by-side"></span>
<span id="6536-1-vs-5508-side-by-side"></span>
== 6536/1 vs 5508 — how they compare ==
== 6536/1 vs 5508, how they compare ==


Both are small-crown, no-crown-guard Submariners rated to 100m, the last two Submariners to share that specification. Case height matches at 12.8mm and end-to-end length at 38mm; the 5508 caseback is slightly smaller in diameter.
Both are small-crown, no-crown-guard Submariners rated to 100m, the last two Submariners to share that specification. Case height matches at 12.8mm and end-to-end length at 38mm; the 5508 caseback is slightly smaller in diameter.
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| Phillips Geneva V || 102 || 2017 || 6536/1, case 155,502, caseback II.56 || on 7206 rivet bracelet || est. CHF 40,000–80,000
| Phillips Geneva V || 102 || 2017 || 6536/1, case 155,502, caseback II.56 || on 7206 rivet bracelet || est. CHF 40,000–80,000
|-
|-
| Phillips Geneva XVIII || — || 2021 || 6536/1 1955 "Red Depth" || Tiffany To specialist's pick || est. USD 54,000–109,000
| Phillips Geneva XVIII ||, || 2021 || 6536/1 1955 "Red Depth" || Tiffany To specialist's pick || est. USD 54,000–109,000
|-
|-
| Bonhams London || 116 || 2012 || 6536 (parent), case 306,706, March 1957 || cal. 1030, gloss black gilt, red triangle bezel, bracelet date-coded 4/58 || GBP 21,250 incl. premium
| Bonhams London || 116 || 2012 || 6536 (parent), case 306,706, March 1957 || cal. 1030, gloss black gilt, red triangle bezel, bracelet date-coded 4/58 || GBP 21,250 incl. premium
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| Bonhams || 36 || 2021 || 6536/1 Red Depth, case 112,341, caseback IV.55 || brown leather strap, no-minute-marker bezel first 15 min || est. GBP 60,000–80,000
| Bonhams || 36 || 2021 || 6536/1 Red Depth, case 112,341, caseback IV.55 || brown leather strap, no-minute-marker bezel first 15 min || est. GBP 60,000–80,000
|-
|-
| Christie's Online HK || — || 2023 || 6536/1, case 230,421 || gilt tropical, later/incorrect bezel insert, end-links stamped 75 (incorrect), aftermarket clasp || (sold with red-flag notes)
| Christie's Online HK ||, || 2023 || 6536/1, case 230,421 || gilt tropical, later/incorrect bezel insert, end-links stamped 75 (incorrect), aftermarket clasp || (sold with red-flag notes)
|-
|-
| Antiquorum Monaco || — || 2025 || 6536/1 || (1957–58 era) || USD 14,622 (~10% over est.)
| Antiquorum Monaco ||, || 2025 || 6536/1 || (1957–58 era) || USD 14,622 (~10% over est.)
|-
|-
| Antiquorum Switzerland || — || 2025 || 6536/1 || (1957–58 era) || USD 17,074
| Antiquorum Switzerland ||, || 2025 || 6536/1 || (1957–58 era) || USD 17,074
|}
|}


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== Related references ==
== Related references ==


* [[Reference:5510|Submariner 5510]] — Big Crown, Cal 1530 (1957–1958)
* [[Reference:5510|Submariner 5510]], Big Crown, Cal 1530 (1957–1958)
* [[Reference:6538|Submariner 6538]] — "Big Crown", James Bond (1956–1959)
* [[Reference:6538|Submariner 6538]], "Big Crown", James Bond (1956–1959)
* [[Reference:6205|Submariner 6205]] — 1953–1957
* [[Reference:6205|Submariner 6205]], 1953–1957
* [[Reference:6200|Submariner 6200]] — "King Sub", Big Crown (1953–1956)
* [[Reference:6200|Submariner 6200]], "King Sub", Big Crown (1953–1956)
* [[Reference:5508|Submariner 5508]] — 1957–1961
* [[Reference:5508|Submariner 5508]], 1957–1961
* [[Reference:6204|Submariner 6204]] — 1953–1954
* [[Reference:6204|Submariner 6204]], 1953–1954


See also the [[Reference:submariner|Submariner family index]], [[Reference:Movements|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial numbers by year]].
See also the [[Reference:submariner|Submariner family index]], [[Reference:Movements|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial numbers by year]].
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== Sources ==
== Sources ==


* [https://goldammer.me/blogs/articles/rolex-finally-releases-insights-quantifying-the-early-rolex-submariner Quantifying the Early Rolex Submariner] (Goldammer, September 2024) — Foulkes-derived Rolex archive production data
* [https://goldammer.me/blogs/articles/rolex-finally-releases-insights-quantifying-the-early-rolex-submariner Quantifying the Early Rolex Submariner] (Goldammer, September 2024), Foulkes-derived Rolex archive production data
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/vintage-rolex-reference-6536.html Vintage Rolex Reference 6536] (editorial)
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/vintage-rolex-reference-6536.html Vintage Rolex Reference 6536] (editorial)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-1-the-early-references/ History of the Rolex Submariner — Part 1, The Early References] — Tom Mulraney (Monochrome, 2020)
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-1-the-early-references/ History of the Rolex Submariner, Part 1, The Early References], Tom Mulraney (Monochrome, 2020)
* [https://rolexpassionreport.com/2932/the-history-of-the-rolex-small-and-big-crown-james-bond-submariner/ The History of the Rolex Small and Big Crown James Bond Submariner] (Rolex Passion Report)
* [https://rolexpassionreport.com/2932/the-history-of-the-rolex-small-and-big-crown-james-bond-submariner/ The History of the Rolex Small and Big Crown James Bond Submariner] (Rolex Passion Report)
* [https://le-monde-edmond.com/3-rolex-6536-1/ Three Rolex 6536/1 — comparative study] (Le Monde Edmond)
* [https://le-monde-edmond.com/3-rolex-6536-1/ Three Rolex 6536/1, comparative study] (Le Monde Edmond)
* [https://le-monde-edmond.com/world-record-rolex-6536-1-sothebys-2018/ World Record Rolex 6536/1 — Sotheby's 2018] (Le Monde Edmond)
* [https://le-monde-edmond.com/world-record-rolex-6536-1-sothebys-2018/ World Record Rolex 6536/1, Sotheby's 2018] (Le Monde Edmond)
* [https://le-monde-edmond.com/comparison-rolex-submariner-6536-1-vs-5508/ Rolex Submariner 6536/1 vs 5508] (Le Monde Edmond)
* [https://le-monde-edmond.com/comparison-rolex-submariner-6536-1-vs-5508/ Rolex Submariner 6536/1 vs 5508] (Le Monde Edmond)
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-n09952/lot.252.html Submariner Ref 6536/1, A Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch With Bracelet, Circa 1957] — Sotheby's NY 2018 Lot 252 world record
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-n09952/lot.252.html Submariner Ref 6536/1, A Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch With Bracelet, Circa 1957], Sotheby's NY 2018 Lot 252 world record
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-ge1804/lot.215.html Submariner Ref 6536/1 Lot 215 — Sotheby's Geneva 2018]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-ge1804/lot.215.html Submariner Ref 6536/1 Lot 215, Sotheby's Geneva 2018]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/fine-watches-l19011/reference-6536-submariner-a-stainless-steel-automatic Reference 6536 Submariner tropical c.1959 — Sotheby's London Lot 121] (Sotheby's, 2019)
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2019/fine-watches-l19011/reference-6536-submariner-a-stainless-steel-automatic Reference 6536 Submariner tropical c.1959, Sotheby's London Lot 121] (Sotheby's, 2019)
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches-2/reference-6536-1-submariner-a-stainless-steel-automatic Reference 6536/1 Submariner Q4 1955 — Sotheby's Lot 35] (Sotheby's, 2021)
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-watches-2/reference-6536-1-submariner-a-stainless-steel-automatic Reference 6536/1 Submariner Q4 1955, Sotheby's Lot 35] (Sotheby's, 2021)
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080117/102 Reference 6536/1 — Phillips Geneva V Lot 102] (Phillips, 2017)
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080117/102 Reference 6536/1, Phillips Geneva V Lot 102] (Phillips, 2017)
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080521/ Phillips Geneva XVIII 2021 6536/1 Red Depth] (Phillips)
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080521/ Phillips Geneva XVIII 2021 6536/1 Red Depth] (Phillips)
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/19831/lot/116/ Rolex Submariner Reference 6536, March 1957 — Bonhams London Lot 116] (Bonhams, 2012)
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/19831/lot/116/ Rolex Submariner Reference 6536, March 1957, Bonhams London Lot 116] (Bonhams, 2012)
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/27664/lot/36/ Rolex Submariner Reference 6536/1 Red Depth IV.55 — Bonhams Lot 36] (Bonhams, 2021)
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/27664/lot/36/ Rolex Submariner Reference 6536/1 Red Depth IV.55, Bonhams Lot 36] (Bonhams, 2021)
* [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/important-watches-online/lots/3000 Christie's HK Online October 2023 6536/1] (Christie's, 2023)
* [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/important-watches-online/lots/3000 Christie's HK Online October 2023 6536/1] (Christie's, 2023)
* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-small-crown-submariner-reference-65361-copy Rolex Small Crown Submariner Reference 6536-1 Unpolished] — Eric Wind (Wind Vintage)
* [https://www.windvintage.com/rolex-small-crown-submariner-reference-65361-copy Rolex Small Crown Submariner Reference 6536-1 Unpolished], Eric Wind (Wind Vintage)
* [https://greyandpatina.com/product/1958-rolex-6536-1-small-crown-submariner/ 1958 Rolex 6536-1 Small Crown Submariner] (Grey and Patina)
* [https://greyandpatina.com/product/1958-rolex-6536-1-small-crown-submariner/ 1958 Rolex 6536-1 Small Crown Submariner] (Grey and Patina)
* [https://chrono-shop.net/en/watch-movements/142-rolex-caliber-1030.html Rolex Caliber 1030 technical reference] (Chrono-Shop)
* [https://chrono-shop.net/en/watch-movements/142-rolex-caliber-1030.html Rolex Caliber 1030 technical reference] (Chrono-Shop)
* [https://rolexhaven.com/65368-double-ref.--54.html 6536/8 Double Ref] / [https://rolexhaven.com/6536-1-red-depth--55.html 6536-1 Red Depth] / [https://rolexhaven.com/6536-1-gold-depth--56.html 6536-1 Gold Depth] / [https://rolexhaven.com/6536-1-occ--57.html 6536-1 OCC 1957] (RolexHaven)
* [https://rolexhaven.com/65368-double-ref.--54.html 6536/8 Double Ref] / [https://rolexhaven.com/6536-1-red-depth--55.html 6536-1 Red Depth] / [https://rolexhaven.com/6536-1-gold-depth--56.html 6536-1 Gold Depth] / [https://rolexhaven.com/6536-1-occ--57.html 6536-1 OCC 1957] (RolexHaven)
* ''Oyster Perpetual Submariner: The Watch That Unlocked the Deep'' — Nicholas Foulkes (Wallpaper / ACC Art Books, 2024)
* ''Oyster Perpetual Submariner: The Watch That Unlocked the Deep'', Nicholas Foulkes (Wallpaper / ACC Art Books, 2024)
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'' — Colin A. White, Morning Tundra
* ''The Vintage Rolex Field Manual'', Colin A. White, Morning Tundra


[[Category:Submariner]]
[[Category:Submariner]]
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