Rolex Small Crown Submariner Reference 6536-1 Unpolished

The Rolex “Small Crown” Submariner reference 6536 is a classic reference and one of the iconic dive watches.

I purchased this watch in 2020 from the sons of the original owner, Louis “Lou” Ross, who led a distinguished career of public service including as an aide to President Kennedy. Lou served as a Foreign Service Officer and wore this Submariner while posted around the world. When he retired, he put the watch away and his sons only recently found it after their mother passed. Amazingly, it seemed that the watch had not been opened since it left Rolex in 1957 and it remains all original including the crystal with slight crazing and original bracelet. Lou’s story is definitely worth telling in greater detail in the future, he was orphaned at age 3 and went on to record the Nuremberg trials as a very young man for the U.S. Government before embarking on a career of public service at important posts around the world, but given all the current interest in Submariners I felt it would be worth showing one of the great ones.

The case measures 38mm in diameter (48mm lug-to-lug). The case appears to be unpolished. These models wear very nice on the wrist and are extremely this and light. It features the original “no hash” bezel which is original for pre-1957 and early 1957 Submariners. It was serviced for the first and only time in 2020.

The luminous-hour markers have a warm patina which is much more beautiful in person. Complementing the warm lume is the awesome gilt font and chapter ring. The watch dates to circa 1957 and has a 230,XXX serial. It is paired on the original Rolex stretch Rivet bracelet dated to 1957. The only thing that is not original on this watch is the gaskets!

This watch should be in the Rolex Museum!

To learn more about the Rolex Submariner, you can read my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ article and corresponding video.

The watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

PRICE: $125,000 (Item SBUXYT3749)