The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Old 26 September 2017, 12:48 AM   #1
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
1956 Big Crown Submariner

I'm basically trying to figure what i have. I have a 1956 Submariner and the serial number is 158319, the band is a 1964. The watch has been sitting in a dresser for 35+ years. I took it to Tivol and the watch specialist let me know I had a valuable watch, but nothing more. The wrist strap was missing a pin and the crown was not working correctly. He said that the someone put a newer luminescence on the watch and that they did a good job. I said that was impossible. The watch has been in a drawer for at least 35+ years. I'm just trying to figure out the value of this watch and should I stick it back in the drawer for another 15 years or sell it. I apologize for the pictures. I can take some better pictures when I get home tonight. Any thought would be much appreciated.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_6302.JPG (36.5 KB, 552 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_6306.JPG (37.0 KB, 553 views)
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 12:52 AM   #2
roh123
"TRF" Member
 
roh123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Real Name: Per
Location: Sweden
Watch: Gilt Rolex
Posts: 2,946
We really need to see better pics to judge authenticity and value. Only thing I can tell is that the bezel insert is much later than 1956.
roh123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 01:01 AM   #3
1675-David
"TRF" Member
 
1675-David's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 6,006
Crown looks a bit strange, like Per said much better images are needed...
1675-David is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 01:32 AM   #4
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
In 2015 Tivol replaced the crown, I have the receipt in 2015 and fixed the pin on the strap. I have the receipt from Tivol. That is why it sat in a drawer for 35+ years. I'm trying to upload better images, but it wont let me.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 01:44 AM   #5
roh123
"TRF" Member
 
roh123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Real Name: Per
Location: Sweden
Watch: Gilt Rolex
Posts: 2,946
Quote:
Originally Posted by JRS1973 View Post
In 2015 Tivol replaced the crown, I have the receipt in 2015 and fixed the pin on the strap. I have the receipt from Tivol. That is why it sat in a drawer for 35+ years. I'm trying to upload better images, but it wont let me.
Use an external host like imgur.com or similar.
roh123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 01:46 AM   #6
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
Actually I'm not sure of the year. I plugged the serial number in on a website and it said 1956. I'm not sure if that's right either. Sorry for the confusion.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 01:50 AM   #7
Kingface66
2024 Pledge Member
 
Kingface66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: The Empire State
Watch: 1966 Rolex 5513
Posts: 3,407
Quote:
Originally Posted by JRS1973 View Post
Actually I'm not sure of the year. I plugged the serial number in on a website and it said 1956. I'm not sure if that's right either. Sorry for the confusion.
That serial number would be correct for 1956. Is it possible someone re-lumed it in the early 80s, or possibly before the 35 years in the drawer?
Kingface66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 01:57 AM   #8
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
It says I have to have 10 post and my current post count is 3 in order to submit a link of my photos.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 02:01 AM   #9
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
Kingface66, It is possible, but it was my grandfathers watch and he was extremely cheap. He received it as a gift from one of his wife's. I doubt he would have paid a dime for that to be done. But, it is possible. I think he did try and get the crown repaired years ago, because something broke on it.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 02:14 AM   #10
Kingface66
2024 Pledge Member
 
Kingface66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: The Empire State
Watch: 1966 Rolex 5513
Posts: 3,407
Quote:
Originally Posted by JRS1973 View Post
It says I have to have 10 post and my current post count is 3 in order to submit a link of my photos.
I've seen posts by people with just one post who've uploaded pics using this:

https://imgur.com

Give it a shot
Kingface66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 02:41 AM   #11
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
Nope it won't let me. Now it says i have 4 post count.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 02:45 AM   #12
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
Quote:
Originally Posted by roh123 View Post
We really need to see better pics to judge authenticity and value. Only thing I can tell is that the bezel insert is much later than 1956.
How can you tell? It looks just like any other 1956 watch. I'm not doubting you, I just want to know how you can tell.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 02:50 AM   #13
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
https://imgur.com/3bE1TEb
[URL="https://imgur.com/MDLzgNf"]
https://imgur.com/pUUJyES
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 02:55 AM   #14
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
https://imgur.com/MDLzgNf

This is the receipt from Tivol in 2015 and the work they did.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 03:16 AM   #15
Vlad
"TRF" Member
 
Vlad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 813
that receipt and comments from this thread provided most of the information you need about the watch - model 6538, serial 158,319, cal 1030, newer bezel insert (need a side photo). Negative: relumed dial, newer crown (unless you still have the old one), polish did not help - polish never helps as it removes metal from the case. Rare and expensive model. Desirable as is, very desirable if it was all original.
Vlad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 03:21 AM   #16
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vlad View Post
that receipt and comments from this thread provided most of the information you need about the watch - model 6538, serial 158,319, cal 1030, newer bezel insert (need a side photo). Negative: relumed dial, newer crown (unless you still have the old one), polish did not help - polish never helps as it removes metal from the case. Rare and expensive model. Desirable as is, very desirable if it was all original.
Thanks Vlad, I'll take a bunch of picture tonight and add them to this post.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 03:26 AM   #17
roh123
"TRF" Member
 
roh123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Real Name: Per
Location: Sweden
Watch: Gilt Rolex
Posts: 2,946
Hands and dial relumed. Later insert and incorrect crown. Really hard to judge from these pics but value might land around 50k perhaps. Not the easiest of sales in that condition. I might be off value wise as I wouldn’t consider it myself.

It’s a rare watch but not really possible to source parts to it. Would probably look decent with a professional relume inatead of what is there today.



roh123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 03:51 AM   #18
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
Thanks Roh123, Its hard for me to believe that it was relumed. Is it possible it was done in the 60-70's. Also, how can you tell its a later insert? I wonder if the initial owner had it relumed when he was getting a new strap back in 1964. I can tell you my grand father would not have done it and he had it after the individual passed away. Thanks for your input.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 03:58 AM   #19
roh123
"TRF" Member
 
roh123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Real Name: Per
Location: Sweden
Watch: Gilt Rolex
Posts: 2,946
Quote:
Originally Posted by JRS1973 View Post
Thanks Roh123, Its hard for me to believe that it was relumed. Is it possible it was done in the 60-70's. Also, how can you tell its a later insert? I wonder if the initial owner had it relumed when he was getting a new strap back in 1964. I can tell you my grand father would not have done it and he had it after the individual passed away. Thanks for your input.
It is relumed and it was a very common thing to do back in the day. These watches were tools and was treated as such. The insert is from the 70’s.
roh123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 04:02 AM   #20
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
Thanks Roh123. You guys know your watches and I'm learning a lot.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 04:23 AM   #21
Kingface66
2024 Pledge Member
 
Kingface66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: The Empire State
Watch: 1966 Rolex 5513
Posts: 3,407
Not 100% certain, but I don't think I've seen a 6538 with the 200 that far over to the left. if anything it should be lined up a little to the right of the S in Submariner. Could the dial have been repainted?
Kingface66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 04:25 AM   #22
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kingface66 View Post
Not 100% certain, but I don't think I've seen a 6538 with the 200 that far over to the left. if anything it should be lined up a little to the right of the S in Submariner. Could the dial have been repainted?
I guess anything is possible. I will try and take better pictures tonight.

Thanks
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 08:39 AM   #23
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
http://https://imgur.com/a/1hESy

Pictures in the sun with my iPad.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 08:44 AM   #24
roh123
"TRF" Member
 
roh123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Real Name: Per
Location: Sweden
Watch: Gilt Rolex
Posts: 2,946
Dial is refinished as well. Did they put on a 7mm crown instead of the 8mm big crown? Looks very odd..
roh123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 09:31 AM   #25
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
Quote:
Originally Posted by roh123 View Post
Dial is refinished as well. Did they put on a 7mm crown instead of the 8mm big crown? Looks very odd..
I have know idea. I would have thought Tivol would put the right crown on. I'm sure it's accurate.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 11:38 AM   #26
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
I guess at this point do you guys think it's worth anything? I thought I had something special, but evidently there were mods done to it that inevitably ruined it. Thoughts?
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 11:50 AM   #27
Vlad
"TRF" Member
 
Vlad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 813
If all else is not correct, the case still holds good value.
Vlad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 11:56 AM   #28
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vlad View Post
If all else is not correct, the case still holds good value.
Thanks Vlad
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 11:59 AM   #29
datejust24
"TRF" Member
 
datejust24's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Real Name: Chris
Location: Cincinnati,Ohio
Watch: Rolexssss
Posts: 3,504
Quote:
Originally Posted by JRS1973 View Post
I guess at this point do you guys think it's worth anything? I thought I had something special, but evidently there were mods done to it that inevitably ruined it. Thoughts?
I wouldn't say completely ruined necessarily, but worth considerably less unfortunately...I'd have the crown replaced with the correct big crown and if you feel like dropping the coin on a period correct insert do that as well...of course that insert will be very expensive...then wear that bad boy..
datejust24 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 September 2017, 12:17 PM   #30
JRS1973
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 22
Quote:
Originally Posted by datejust24 View Post
I wouldn't say completely ruined necessarily, but worth considerably less unfortunately...I'd have the crown replaced with the correct big crown and if you feel like dropping the coin on a period correct insert do that as well...of course that insert will be very expensive...then wear that bad boy..
Thanks for your input , I'm for sure going to look into the right size Crown. It bothers me that they didn't put the right one on to begin with. I would probably never wear it. I'm pretty sure I would break it within a week or so.
JRS1973 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.