Trying to Identify 1960s Submariner

[Caldecott0930]

Hi all, I want to more specifically identify the Submariner attached here in photos if possible. It was given to my grandfather in the 1960s and I want to try to find one as close as possible for purchase. I also want to help a family member try to repair the bezel on this one. It has been sent to Rolex and a few other high end watch repairmen, and we've been told the bezel is not repairable. Would appreciate any assistance identifying the model of this one so I can try to purchase. Thanks so much and Happy Holidays!

I don't think the photos were attached to my previous post, so I am sending again. Thanks all for any insights you have about the model and age of this vintage Rolex Submariner.

[Tools]

Your photos don't tell us much. The numbers you need are on the sides under the bracelet ends.

[Caldecott0930]

Thank you. I will ask for more photos. To be sure I understand, would the bracelet need to be removed to get to the numbers? Are the numbers up by where the watch meets the bracelet?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Caldecott0930

Thank you. I will ask for more photos. To be sure I understand, would the bracelet need to be removed to get to the numbers? Are the numbers up by where the watch meets the bracelet?

Yes

[Dan S]

Let's see what is left of the bezel also. Is the insert intact?

[MILGAUSS88]

No crown guard, Sub. If 100m 330ft dial is correct then most likely a 5508 or 6536.

From unclear photos, it looks like a redial.

[FrenchBigCrown]

Originally Posted by Caldecott0930

Hi all, I want to more specifically identify the Submariner attached here in photos if possible. It was given to my grandfather in the 1960s and I want to try to find one as close as possible for purchase. I also want to help a family member try to repair the bezel on this one. It has been sent to Rolex and a few other high end watch repairmen, and we've been told the bezel is not repairable. Would appreciate any assistance identifying the model of this one so I can try to purchase. Thanks so much and Happy Holidays!

I don't think the photos were attached to my previous post, so I am sending again. Thanks all for any insights you have about the model and age of this vintage Rolex Submariner.

If it is a 6536-1 (hard to tell from those photos TBH) - I have a genuine brass alloy NOS bezel (no insert though) - literally like new - which I only bought because they are like hen's teeth rare.

Happy to sell it to you, if it helps put a vintage watch back together... and you're prepared to pay the price.

If it is of interest, please message me.

[Caldecott0930]

I really appreciate all the insights here, thank you. I've attached more photos and will work on having the bracelet removed to get to the model number. In the meantime, my father does not have the bezel (just the insert). The bezel came off and was lost unfortunately. It has been sent to Rolex to be repaired, but they are apparently unable. Perhaps because they don't have bezels any longer for such an old model?

Thanks in advance for any additional thoughts. I'd love to find one like this for myself (lots of memories as it was my grandfather's first) and also help a family member get this one back working again.

Would also love any ideas on ballpark price for a replacement like this. This might require the actual model number though, right?

[Caldecott0930]

Thank you all for your valuable insights and knowledge. Attached are a few more photos. Apparently the bezel came off and was lost. The ring (perhaps the insert?) is all that is left.

The family member who owns it is going to get the bracelet removed to see that model numbers. In the meantime, I would love to know any further thoughts. Is it possible to repair this one with a replacement bezel? I suppose those are difficult to find.

I also want to try to locate as close a replica for myself but will need to wait to get the model number. Any ideas on price for a 1960s vintage replica like this?

[Dan S]

As far as buying another one for yourself, I think you would probably need to spend $30k-$50k to get one that is complete and in decent condition.

[Kingface66]

That dial’s fonts are very bizarre looking.

[GimmeTheLoupe]

Yeah I call refinished dial at least. Everything can be fixed but it is going to cost thousands. In the tens of thousands even, to get this back to how it should be, if that’s what you’re looking for. Still a cool watch if it has family history. Assuming everything else is legit, that is. You’re also not going to get any info on a “replica” version for yourself on this forum.

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

That dial’s fonts are very bizarre looking.

heavy serif......

[MILGAUSS88]

Poorly redone dial.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by GimmeTheLoupe

You’re also not going to get any info on a “replica” version for yourself on this forum.

Based on the first post in the thread, I think that the OP is saying he wants to buy another example of the same reference for himself. The word "replica" was unfortunate. At least that's my interpretation.

[Caldecott0930]

Yes, thank you for clarifying Dan. I don't want a fake. I would want an authentic one as close to this original model - for the memories. You all have been very helpful, and I so appreciate it. This is a great forum!

[Dan S]

Not exactly the same reference, but this interesting example of an early Sub, with some condition issues, just sold on eBay for $17k USD. :-)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/39373778999...p2047675.l2557

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Not exactly the same reference, but this interesting example of an early Sub, with some condition issues, just sold on eBay for $17k USD. :-)

Some condition issues . That is one expensive piece of toast.

[Beanz]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Some condition issues . That is one expensive piece of toast.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Some condition issues . That is one expensive piece of toast.

That was a fascinating auction and says a lot about the vintage Rolex market.

[indianmachine]

Originally Posted by Dan S

That was a fascinating auction and says a lot about the vintage Rolex market.

yikes

[Mark020]

It was a: rare tropical dial Rolex Submariner