THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 6536-1
YEAR: 1955
BOX/PAPERS: YES/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 37mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The 6536-1 is a fascinating reference and one that packs a lot of changes into a four-year production period. Whilst the case and movement remained the same, many small changes were made to the dial design in the four short years, making the model one of the most collectable Rolex references. 

Technically the 6536 started life in 1954 as a transitional reference 6536/8, this was essentially a hybrid of the 6538 big crown and the 6536. The double reference has the same dial layout as this first iteration of the 6536-1, incidentally the rarest dial variation of them all - known in the collecting world as the Red Depth.

Just how rare? Scholars found that less than 10 examples have ever been sold on the open market. The only acceptable serial range is 112,xxx with matching 55 caseback stamping, such as the present example. 

This watch comes with its original dial that still demonstrates a strong Geiger reading, the lacquer has gassed out as you would expect but the text has remained in very good condition. The hands are early tritium, likely early to mid-60s based on consistency and UV reaction as is the fat font Mk4 insert. The bracelet is a 6636 stretch rivet with 80 end links with a clasp stamp of 3/66. The case has been polished at some point but still shows strong lugs for its age. 

The movement has recently been serviced and is running around +8 secs per day and at 210 amps. Not bad for a 69-year-old watch. 

With perfect examples fetching six figures, this watch is priced extremely fairly and will sit proudly in any collection as one of the rarest Rolexes ever.