Rolex 6518: a rare oldie..

[Shade]

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The Rolex 6518 is probably a reference that doesnt get talked about alot, I personally believe that its an "unusual reference" that was made only in limited numbers and was then replaced by newer versions later on. It also consists of a cal. 1030 (some on even rarer cal. 1000), an automatic calibre - that was made for Canadian market (or so I was told).

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It has all the usual Rolex features and some uncommon ones that Im very fond of on this watch. The raised plexi is something I always liked, and the thin riveted bracelet that -to me- is very comfortable and wrist hugging to wear.

Some of the uncommon features, well where do I start? The case: it has sharp and straight features unlike other Rolex cases, as you can see the sides of the case is extremely flat and straight, usually there is a slight bulge that makes it look a bit rounded. Moreover, the edge of the lug is also sharp and straight as if it was cut off - not more rounded like the usual. Then theres the roulette date wheel - where the even dates are in red, odd dates are in black, gives it a fun touch. It is also (I was told) a semi-bubble back.

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The dial itself is intriguing for me, the sharp white gold hour markers with faceted shape really plays with the light and glints very well. The sword hands with blued seconds hand, gives it a very unique touch on the overall aesthetics. The indices are also raised quite high from the dial, hence giving it a very three-dimensional touch. Moreover, the Rolex crown logo is also applied and serves as a 12-o'clock marker, and really goes well with the other features on the dial. However, what I like best about this dial is the ROLEX logo is applied in white gold, instead of just being printed - something you dont see everyday! I also like the fact that it has white gold surrounds on the date window, giving a sense of uniformity. The simplicity and complexity of the dial is very very very nice. The only printed letters on it are Oysterdate Perpetual. The dial itself is pure white - sometimes on certain angle it shows a slight metallic glow - Im not entirely sure how it was originally, but this watch is way older than I am, so I cant tell.

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The only let down for today's watch enthusiasts would probably be the small size - at 34mm its not a common size anymore. People would opt for larger 36mm datejusts instead - which yes I would agree gives more "presence" on your wrist. However - Im "lucky" in a sense that I have small wrists, thus the 34mm looks pretty good on me!

Im also lucky enough to have found my sample in such pristine condition, I wouldnt have believed it is way older than I am if I hadnt done my research about it haha..

I have also read that theres an even rarer version that says Rite Time on the dial - but Im happy with mine..

[Gaijin]

That is a beauty Norman!

[Shade]

Thanks Gaijin!

Any other info about this reference, please post them here. Having quite a hard time gathering it.. :-)

[seabreeze]

very nice...i love the red and the dial

[tinger]

Wow, very nice!

[anilzat]

Love the vintage Rolex watches. A whole lot better than the new ones.

[kleman]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy it.

[tomchicago]

a beauty! it seems to me like Grand Seiko emulated this model.

[Cc1966]

Stunning!!!

[Shade]

Thanks for the compliments guys!

[crowncollection]

Nice one

[NukeMan]

Congratulations!

[Shade]

I'm thinking of putting this one on a strap, but then again, I have too many straps. How hard is it to source for a jubilee band that fits it? 19mm lugs.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by Shade

I'm thinking of putting this one on a strap, but then again, I have too many straps. How hard is it to source for a jubilee band that fits it? 19mm lugs.

Vintage USA jubilees can be had for $2-300, all day ebay. Swiss ones are a little more hard to find and usually carry a few hundred dollar premium

[Vincent65]

very nice indeed