THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 6536-1
YEAR: 1956
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 37mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
In vintage Rolex collecting, early no crown-guard Submariners are undoubtedly among the most celebrated and studied. They embody everything we love about vintage Rolex—historically important, beautifully made, and packed with a thousand tiny nuances between variations to obsess over.
The ref. 6536-1 came shortly after the first Submariners (6204, 6205, etc.). Technically, the 6536 began life in 1954 as a transitional reference: the 6536/8. From there, over a slender four-year production period, Rolex produced around eight different variations—packing in a remarkable number of changes. All-original, correct examples are extremely hard to come by, which is one of the reasons the 6536-1 remains among the most collectible Submariners today.
The present example is the second iteration, known as the “Gold Depth.” There are technically two versions of the Gold Depth, with this one being the earlier of the two. The differences are subtle: first, the handset—this version features an all-gilt seconds hand rather than a painted one. Second, the depth rating is written in the earlier 100 / 330 format; later examples transitioned to the m = ft layout.
Everything on the watch, aside from the 1960s bezel insert (the original "no-hash" bezel is included) and bracelet, is period-correct. The dial, hands, crown, case, and caseback are all as they should be. The dial is in tremendous shape—its lacquer shows signs of “gassing out,” where radon gas from the lume breaks down the thin lacquer, exposing the galvanic paint layer beneath. The correct 13mm and 8mm gilt hands are present, with some expected lume loss. The original 6mm “+” crown is still fitted. The movement retains its early butterfly rotor. The bracelet is a 1960s 7206/80 rivet, stamped 2/64, and will accommodate a 19cm wrist.
The movement has just been checked over and is running beautifully at +6 s/d, 255 amplitude, with a beat error of 0.5 ms—a commendable reading for a nearly 70-year-old watch.
Finding a small crown Sub this correct after nearly seven decades is nothing short of astounding. With only 5,350 6536-1s produced across eight known variants, one has to wonder how many remain in anything close to their original factory form. Early variations are particularly rare—to our knowledge, this is the only 100/330 Gold Depth currently for sale anywhere in the world. A truly special watch that will shine in any collection.