THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 6536-1
YEAR: 1955
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 37mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The 6536-1 is a fascinating reference, packing a remarkable number of changes into a four-year production period — which is precisely why it remains one of the most collectible Submariners.

Technically, the 6536 began life in 1954 as the transitional reference 6536/8, essentially a hybrid of the 6538 Big Crown and the 6536. The double reference shared the same dial layout as the first iteration of the 6536-1, known in collecting circles as the Red Depth.

Based on the serial number 112xxx, this watch would almost certainly have left the factory with a Red Depth dial. However, as is common with radium-era watches, many dials were replaced by the manufacturer during service. The present service dial dates to the 1970s, as do the hands. Both feature what we refer to as “dead tritium” — tritium with little UV reactivity, typical of 1970s and early 1980s matte dials. The Mk3 insert is also consistent with a 1970s service replacement.

The Brevet crown has survived, as has the unmarked Swiss-made solid rivet bracelet with 58 end links.

After a recent service the movement is running at a tremendous -1 s/d, 275 amps with a best error of 0.2ms.

This represents a highly accessible way to acquire a very attractive vintage small-crown Submariner — without the eye-watering cost associated with fully original examples.