6538 Sub ultra-rare, or re-dialed?

[seabard]

My 6538 Submariner ser#307xxx dial reads:
ROLEX
OYSTER-PERPETUAL
200M=660FT
TURN-O-GRAPH
SUBMARINER
In all my searching, never seen this dial. There's the old Turn-O-Graph designation, and the
Submariner designation, but I've never seen a dial with BOTH.
Family heirloom with somewhat known history.
Thanks,
Chris
see pictures below in thread

[Flyjet601]

Welcome.....

Do you have a picture of it.

[mike]

Welcome!

Boy, I don't know. As Larry said, is it possible to post a pic.? I couldn't find that kind of dial configuration in my references.

[jac67]

Umm..............pictures please.


John.

[padi56]

Well not seen any reference to that type dial in any of my books.But
reference books are not always correct.Now the first Sub 6204 was basically very similar to the TOG 6202.Now the original sub was rated to 600ft but was in production only for around 18 months.Then the new ref 6538 its replacement but rated now 660ft,can you please post picture.Welcome to TRF Chris

[seabard]

[seabard]

Here are some pictures. Bezel not original, Bracelet is Rolex.
This was my Pops watch, bought by him in Jacksonville FL. I am honored to wear it today.
Thanks, Chris

[mike]

Boy Chris, I've never seen that combination. Perhaps one of the others vintage guys have.

Reguardless, it's history makes it priceless! Wear it well!!

[Tools]

Looks interesting.

Unusual dial, but polish up that crystal, pop in a new dot as the insert seems to be in reasonable condition, and buff up the SS with a scotch brite pad..


If you have the cojones, take it to a watch repair, have them open it up and tell you if it has a Rolex movement and the calibre.

[STB]

One thing for sure, the hands aren't the original ones.

The lumes are different.

[jac67]

Hello Chris

I'm no expert on the Turn-O-Graph.

But I just had a look through my reference books, and I can't find that dial combination anywhere.

The hyphen between Oyster Perpetual shouldn't be there. Dial should not have Submariner as well as THAT depth rating on it. The "G" in graph doesn't look right. Dial looks relumed also. Hands and bezel insert have also been changed.

Best to take off the bracelet and see the numbers stamped on the case between the lugs.

Turn-O-Graph model number is 6202.

The watch may very well be genuine, however it seems that the dial has been re-done (which is not uncommon), bezel insert as well as the hands have also been changed.

All in all it's a family piece that should be treasured. If it can be restored to its original specs (which will be costlyand very difficult to find parts), it will also be very valuable.

Enjoy your nice watch.


John.

[Flyjet601]

Originally Posted by jac67

Hello Chris

I'm no expert on the Turn-O-Graph.

But I just had a look through my reference books, and I can't find that dial combination anywhere.

The hyphen between Oyster Perpetual shouldn't be there. Dial should not have Submariner as well as THAT depth rating on it. The "G" in graph doesn't look right. Dial looks relumed also. Hands and bezel insert have also been changed.

Best to take off the bracelet and see the numbers stamped on the case between the lugs.

Turn-O-Graph model number is 6202.

The watch may very well be genuine, however it seems that the dial has been re-done (which is not uncommon), bezel insert as well as the hands have also been changed.

All in all it's a family piece that should be treasured. If it can be restored to its original specs (which will be costlyand very difficult to find parts), it will also be very valuable.

Enjoy your nice watch.


John.

I tend to agree with you John. Im no vintage expert but you raise some good points.
But above all else if it has sentimental value then

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mike

Boy Chris, I've never seen that combination. Perhaps one of the others vintage guys have.

Reguardless, it's history makes it priceless! Wear it well!!

Originally Posted by jac67

Hello Chris

I'm no expert on the Turn-O-Graph.

But I just had a look through my reference books, and I can't find that dial combination anywhere.

The hyphen between Oyster Perpetual shouldn't be there. Dial should not have Submariner as well as THAT depth rating on it. The "G" in graph doesn't look right. Dial looks relumed also. Hands and bezel insert have also been changed.

Best to take off the bracelet and see the numbers stamped on the case between the lugs.

Turn-O-Graph model number is 6202.

The watch may very well be genuine, however it seems that the dial has been re-done (which is not uncommon), bezel insert as well as the hands have also been changed.

All in all it's a family piece that should be treasured. If it can be restored to its original specs (which will be costlyand very difficult to find parts), it will also be very valuable.

Enjoy your nice watch.


John.

Got agree with you guys had a look though all my books, no reference to that type of dial.But ref books are not always right agree hands and bezel not right the dial has definitely had some work on it.Possible one of the first sub used 6202 dial with the added depth and submariner.And like John said if original to case very valuable indeed,think Rolex should check this one out.But its still a family heirloom even if its a redial treasure it,and leave it as it is.