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Old 1 April 2012, 07:11 PM   #1
Spunga
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Rolex 6538 A Mil Sub.

I've never seen one of these before!!!!

Just spotted it on ebay for sale and thought some would like to see....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1906613308...#ht_500wt_1413

I wouldn't even think to try to ascertain how genuine or honest this watch is simply because I know nothing of such a watch, so maybe those that may know something could post some history behind it.

Many thanks,
Paul.
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Old 1 April 2012, 07:46 PM   #2
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I am neither an expert on these.
But at that price, considering the condition, I would not buy it.
Maybe she is worth a lot more . . . .
I don't know . .
HANW
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Old 1 April 2012, 08:26 PM   #3
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I think it may be the real deal. The fixed pins look a little "strange".

The guy could have taken better pictures!!!
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Old 2 April 2012, 01:36 AM   #4
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I'm not sure on this one.
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Old 2 April 2012, 02:14 AM   #5
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After some research,
it seems the MOD Dep actually used different 5513 style bezels on these particular 6538 watches. the insert looks good, the pearl is junk obvi..

the case is legit and so are the fixed lug bars.. if the fixed bars were added after the fact, then that means at some point this watch had a bracelet for several years, but there are no marks under the lugs that show signs of SEL wear marks..

the dial may look like a later service tritium dial but its not. it is original to the watch as thats what the T dials looked like that they used at the time. the hands have been replaced for sure tho.

looks good. needs a little work but its a cool watch,

here is a pic to compare it to.
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Old 2 April 2012, 02:25 AM   #6
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i'm sure mike wood will buy it.
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Old 2 April 2012, 02:38 AM   #7
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He already has one in his locker.
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Old 2 April 2012, 04:27 AM   #8
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I flew literally half way around the world a couple months ago to buy this watch ... Unfortunately it is missing its unique German silvered nickel bezel and someone has slapped on a completely wrong 5513 bezel ... I passed as this alone can take 20-30k off the value and massively reduces the desireability and appeal of what is already a highly specialised watch ...

The dial is a correct burford dial , a non Rolex manufactured dial that these watches were switched to in the early 60s by the mod ...
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Old 2 April 2012, 04:49 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jedly1 View Post
I flew literally half way around the world a couple months ago to buy this watch ... Unfortunately it is missing its unique German silvered nickel bezel and someone has slapped on a completely wrong 5513 bezel ... I passed as this alone can take 20-30k off the value and massively reduces the desireability and appeal of what is already a highly specialised watch ...

The dial is a correct burford dial , a non Rolex manufactured dial that these watches were switched to in the early 60s by the mod ...
Great info !

Thanks
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Old 2 April 2012, 05:13 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jedly1 View Post
I flew literally half way around the world a couple months ago to buy this watch ... Unfortunately it is missing its unique German silvered nickel bezel and someone has slapped on a completely wrong 5513 bezel ... I passed as this alone can take 20-30k off the value and massively reduces the desireability and appeal of what is already a highly specialised watch ...

The dial is a correct burford dial , a non Rolex manufactured dial that these watches were switched to in the early 60s by the mod ...
Interesting! As is, how much would you value it at??
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Old 2 April 2012, 05:45 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jedly1 View Post
I flew literally half way around the world a couple months ago to buy this watch ... Unfortunately it is missing its unique German silvered nickel bezel and someone has slapped on a completely wrong 5513 bezel ... I passed as this alone can take 20-30k off the value and massively reduces the desireability and appeal of what is already a highly specialised watch ...

The dial is a correct burford dial , a non Rolex manufactured dial that these watches were switched to in the early 60s by the mod ...
Thanks Jed for sharing this with us as your expertise is always appreciated.
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Old 2 April 2012, 07:15 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jedly1 View Post
it is missing its unique German silvered nickel bezel and someone has slapped on a completely wrong 5513 bezel ... I passed as this alone can take 20-30k off the value and massively reduces the desireability and appeal
WOW!! A 30 grand bezel.

Know I now I'm out of my depth!!!

This is all great info, I went through 4 highly rated reference books and you guys have produced 100% more info than I found in these books.

Is there a reference area by model number in the forums to collate such invaluable information? This knowledge is gold-dust.
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Old 2 April 2012, 07:18 AM   #13
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All good expect the bezel...

Agree with Jed, all ok (and authentic), correct MOD redial from early/mid 1960s, but a later 5512/3 bezel and insert which really impacts value on an A/6538, and real shame that the military numbering has been erased from the back...

Best,
Ian.
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Old 2 April 2012, 08:32 AM   #14
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wow, i guess the info I posted means nothing.. why bother next time.
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Old 2 April 2012, 09:24 AM   #15
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wow, i guess the info I posted means nothing.. why bother next time.
The information you posted was wonderful. I appreciate your participation and insight.
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Old 2 April 2012, 09:30 AM   #16
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Me too!!!

This info is fantastic!!!
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Old 2 April 2012, 09:54 AM   #17
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For those that are interested, here is Mike Wood’s A/6538 BC with the "Silver Bezel" and the refitted dial. Probably the few rare times a redial is so valuable lol.
http://www.tz-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=147774
Cheers
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Old 2 April 2012, 10:26 AM   #18
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Originally Posted by CaveDiver View Post
For those that are interested, here is Mike Wood’s A/6538 BC with the "Silver Bezel" and the refitted dial. Probably the few rare times a redial is so valuable lol.
http://www.tz-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=147774
Cheers
that is the most epic vintage rolex post i've ever seen.
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Old 2 April 2012, 10:55 AM   #19
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is the 5513/17 bezel the same or different?

xx
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Old 2 April 2012, 11:06 AM   #20
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xx
No, it is not stainless steel
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Old 2 April 2012, 11:42 AM   #21
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The 5513/7 bezel is standard - same as a normal civilian 5513 - though obviously with a different insert.

The a6538 bezel is IMHO the missing link , it's in effect a handmade prototype of the bezel design that would become synonymous with all subs going forward from the 5512 intro in 1959.

The British navy divers / mod use of Rolex dive watches featured heavily in the advertising material of the time and there've cab be no doubt there were close ties . The previous coin edge bezel design we know from the 6200 to the 5510 is a bugger to turn at best of times on dry land ... Imagine doing it underwater !!! The mod had received initially. Batch of standard 6538 watches , but only a couple of years later they received this batch of unique design A6538 ... I'd guess partially as a field test for the new bez design .. A result of their initial feedback ? .. Who knows for sure but if they were being used as a real life test group then possibly...

For me the significance of this model as the missing link between the old sib look and the current sun look can't be overstated ...


And once again , I'll point out that if Ian Fleming researched what watch the royal navy gave its operatives ,, or even just picked up a piece of Rolex advertising at the time ... You are looking at the true inspiration for bonds watch - not some explorer that the novice would jump to conclude was described in the few clues given the book could refer to.
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Old 2 April 2012, 04:28 PM   #22
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I'd like to thank ALL contributors to this post for their invaluable knowledge.

A few days ago a watch I didn't even know existed popped up on the radar and I think I've found my unobtainable grail watch.

Absolutely fascinating insight and I thank you all once again.
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Old 2 April 2012, 05:03 PM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jedly1 View Post
I flew literally half way around the world a couple months ago to buy this watch ... Unfortunately it is missing its unique German silvered nickel bezel and someone has slapped on a completely wrong 5513 bezel ... I passed as this alone can take 20-30k off the value and massively reduces the desireability and appeal of what is already a highly specialised watch ...

The dial is a correct burford dial , a non Rolex manufactured dial that these watches were switched to in the early 60s by the mod ...
This vender is being somewhat "loose" with the truth then jed as im sure you would have advised him/her/them that the bezel was non original to the watch -
Im sure the vender would justify their discription by stating - THE BEZEL IS AN ORIGINAL ROLEX!!!
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Old 8 April 2012, 08:31 PM   #24
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The reserve on this apparently is GBP30,000 (approx USD48,000)

2 days to go and anybody watching I dare say is waiting for the last 5 seconds.

Loadsa money!!!!!
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Old 8 April 2012, 08:43 PM   #25
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The reserve on this apparently is GBP30,000 (approx USD48,000)

2 days to go and anybody watching I dare say is waiting for the last 5 seconds.

Loadsa money!!!!!
Paul,

Have to tell you that it won't be me clicking the button the last 5 secs . . . ;-)

Happy Easter

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Old 8 April 2012, 09:14 PM   #26
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My thanks to all that contributed to this thread. Again we see the value of forums and members such as this in contributing their knowledge and expertise.
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Old 8 April 2012, 11:57 PM   #27
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a great thread which i enjoyed reading. very interesting and informative. well done everybody.
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Old 9 April 2012, 12:13 AM   #28
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Great info.... thanks.
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Old 9 April 2012, 12:55 AM   #29
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Paul,

Have to tell you that it won't be me clicking the button the last 5 secs . . . ;-)

Happy Easter

LOL.

Nor me. I intend on buying a lot more watch(es) for that sum of money.

Happy Easter.

I agree with what has been said.
A very interesting item up for sale and it has been great following the knowledge provided by the more experienced forum members.

Thanks again.
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Old 11 April 2012, 04:32 AM   #30
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The reserve on this apparently is GBP30,000 (approx USD48,000)

2 days to go and anybody watching I dare say is waiting for the last 5 seconds.

Loadsa money!!!!!
And it went for GBP30,000

No surprise I guess.
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