ROLEX | BIG CROWN Submariner
Tropical Brown | Gilt Dial
Transitional Reference
Ref. 6538 / 5510
1950s
For your collection of incredibly rare and historically significant Rolex vintage diver's watches, there is this legendary Rolex Submariner BIG CROWN | Reference 6538 / 5510 transitional model.
It is estimated that fewer than 300 examples of reference 5510 have ever been produced by Rolex what makes this diver watch one of the rarest and most sought-after vintage Rolex Submariner in existence. Moreover, only a handful of examples of this Rolex 6538 / 5510 transitional model, as seen here, are known to exist worldwide.
This iconic Rolex is far more than just an exclusive acquisition for any prestigious vintage watch collection. It's a golden opportunity to become the owner of a legendary timemachine with historical significance in the world of horology.
Submariner BIG CROWN
The watch | The myth | The legend.
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A distinctive tropical gilt dial, a faded gray ghost bezel, gilt hands with white oversized big lollipop second, and above all, no crown guard & the legendary oversized 8mm big brevet crown gives this classic its look & feel, known as the Rolex Submariner “BIG CROWN”.
Over the years, the galvanized gilt dial has acquired a beautiful tropical patina, which is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and uniqueness. As a result, the dial has changed from black to a tropical brown tone over the past 70 years. What's more, the dial has retained a glossy surface on the outside of the minute track and has become matte on the inside.
This is a “meters first” dial, with the inscription “200 m = 660 ft.” All of the gilt lettering has been preserved. The meter indication, printed in white (above the Submariner signature), has faded evenly and completely over the years, giving the watch the unique look of a Submariner only dial. The lettering is still legible to the eye when exposed to light, and with a magnifying glass it is clearly visible that it was present on this dial and that the contours are still present today. A truly incredible tropical dial and absolutely unique with its smooth and even aging - simply a vintage dream!
Timemachine is equipped with the very early Rolex Butterfly Caliber 1530 which was first introduced with this Rolex Submariner reference. A legendary Rolex from the 1950s, produced in such limited numbers, is not only collectible but also as unique in its individuality as the owner and wearer of the watch themselves.
A vintage masterpiece of historical significance for any major Rolex collection.
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Rolex 6538 & 5510 | Production & Period
The Rolex Reference 6538 was produced from 1955 to 1959. The watch became widely known thanks to its appearance in the James Bond films starring Sean Connery.
The Rolex Reference 5510 was produced only in 1958. This makes it one of the shortest production runs in the history of the Submariner.
The 5510 stands out as both the first Submariner with the new caliber 1530 and the last model with a large crown without crown guards. This reference marks the end of an era for the Rolex Submariner, as from 1959 onwards, subsequent models were introduced with a smaller crown, crown guards, and new case proportions.
The silhouette of the Submariner 6538 and 5510 from this golden era is and remains legendary – for all time.
Rolex 6538 vs. 5510 | Face-off among the Giants
Both watches are “Big Crown” models and look quite similar, as they feature the Big Crown without crown guard and water resistance to 200 meters. The main difference is found in the movement. While the Reference 6538 features the caliber 1030, the Reference 5510 was the first Submariner equipped with the new caliber 1530.
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Rolex Transitional Reference | Caseback Signature:
MONTRES ROLEX SA
Geneva Switzerland Patented
Stainless Steel
6538
IV. 1958
5510
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Our certified master watchmakers completely overhauled this masterpiece in year 2025. The timemachine is fully protected by our 1-year guarantee for you.
Extraordinary Rolex Submariner BIG CROWN, comes with original Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet and tropical gilt dial from year 1958. The desirable superdome Tropic glass on this Submariner is still 100% original and in nice shape. This vintage Rolex shows signs of wear that reflect its history. Considering how many years this Rolex tool watch has been on the go, it's almost unbelievable how awesome this vintage Rolex still looks - impressive.
Superb collector set including original box & steel anchor.
Bloody handsome.
Hard to find.
ICONIC.
Automatic movement caliber 1530
Diameter 38 mm without crown
Technical indications | Keeping time +3 sec/day
Serviced 2025
Differential taxation according to § 25a UStG. No taxes included. | Differenzbesteuerung nach § 25a UStG. Kunstgegenstände und Sammlungsstücke, Sonderregelung.
