I still can't believe this exceptional Rolex treasure in mint condition has been found and I'm the lucky one having it on my wrist right now!! Every 5 minutes I've to check if i'm not dreaming, this is the ultimate Submariner to me, the rarest of them all, the earliest known ref 6538 in a bizarre 4 line version one could only dream of. It's having the best details we collectors are looking for in the most sought after Rolex Submariner; the Big Crown. Besides the mint condition, it shows us the adorable Explorer 3-6-9 on it's dial, then added on top of it's laquer the unique Red Depth 200 /660 print and last but not least, making it unique in it's condition, the Officially Certified Chronometer print. That makes a total of 3 color print in 4 lines on a ref 6538 with Explorer dial, that's just unbelievable!! See yourself ...



I'm extremely honored by the fact my good friends Eric Ku & Matt Bain gave me the opportunity to have it, and show it to the world of vintage Rolex lovers. The story behind this marvelous find is that it came directly from Mexico, sold by the son of the original owner, who hardly had worn it during the years he had it. The case, the bevels, case back, bracelet, movement, bezel, all still look like it's how it was delivered in I-1956. The serial number 140.xxx makes it also one of the first known ref 6538's, compared to those (regular) 3/4 examples I know of without the magical OCC all have a later 145.xxx serial number. It's IMHO the rarest & earliest 6538!



Until know I only knew of 1 exactly the same example, hidden in a japanese collection but in less condition and having unfortunately a relumed markers in a all over quite worn condition. I honestly thought it would never be possible to find one in mint, unmolested, all original condition. Thanks to Eric & Matt it happened! Even the tropic is still the same as when it left the Rolex company in Geneva, it's all craquele due to the radiation of the lume and give a awesome spider effect





I'm extremely excited I can finally show it to you! Once i'm back home, I'll make some decent picture of all sides & insides to show you this museum piece / early prototype in detail.



Regards to you all!
Philipp

I just love the red depth too but to have the 3-6-9 dial as well is amazing !!!!!!!!!!!! big,big congratulations
I hope I can see it too soon you lucky bugger
best Ray

Congrats on a supremely rare watch.

Johan

And soooooo stunning in condition as well!! Congrats Philipp!!

Best,
Jon

congrats..

WAOUW !!!

I can find only one word: BEAUTIFUL !!!

Groeten van Brussel.

Michel

2 cents worth
Yab

Its just silly that watch!!!!!

Yes, every box ticked and then some... Wow!


For me, it couldn't get any better.


How about I give you a Full spec Mil sub, a Newman, a Comex 5514 and a patent pending 1665?

Am i close?

Probably not



---Perpetual Knowledge---

.....breathtaking and unreal !


ENJOY it !

ABSOLUTLY UNREAL WATCH --- so happy for you, my friend !!!! You see me on my knees !!!!!!!!

BEST !!
Werner

nt

A timeless treasure! Wear it in good health. If you need any children to leave it to in your will, I'm available; just let me know...

;^)

Ron

Truly ridiculously nice 3/6/9 Big crown P!
Glad you had the balls to take the plunge and glad ours friends gave you the chance to obtain this true grail!
Enjoy your time in the US, cant wait for you to be back and show it to us

Ciao, D

nt

Kind regards,
O.E.

Hey P,

We have been talking about grail watches (plural) but as with the original grail: there can be only one. However, unlike the original grail, you just found the Rolex grail.

Well done, and many thanks for sharing this ultimate piece !

Cheers,
Mark

Wow !!!!!!

You have set the bar high ...I do not think there is a better one anywhere

DMM

Don't go swimming with it on! Enjoy

Only 2 words Super grail!!!!!!!
enjouy it my friend!!!!!


Cheers,

Bas.nl

There aren't words to express the beauty.

Just wow!

Frank

Really a grail...and one of a kind. BIIIIG congrats!

It has everything that a Rolex lover looking for!

Enjoy!

... I would trade it in for a nice vintage Porsche, so hope to see you soon my friend

Groeten,

Eric

Absolutely stunning! However, whilst it may be by far the rarest and most desirable 6538 dial configuration, I dont understand why you need to further hype it as being the earliest 6538 or some kind of prototype. There are a number of 140XXX serial 6538s around, dated I 56. The watch is worthy of many superlatives, but it isn't (by a long way) the earliest 6538, nor do I see any justification for it being called a "prototype". Congratulations though, on an amazing aquisition.

Best,
Ian.

Maybe its not

but I think we could forgive Philipp for getting super excited this time

Im guessing its now the screensaver on thousands of PC's Worldwide.

Truly amazing piece!!!!



I too have had one of the low 140xxx 6538 RED in the past but not a 369 4 line!



(This one is now owned by a fellow VRF member)

---Perpetual Knowledge---

....we'll forgive him for getting slightly over-excited. But, as we know, the lowest known 6538s are 490XX and, according to Geneva, these were manufactured in 1954.
Best,
Ian.

I think he was referring to RED 369 6538's only.

---Perpetual Knowledge---

Does this mean you will sell me your tropical 6538 now? Relax, only kidding. Congrats on the score Philipp!!

X

.

Congrats Philipp!

and just logged in, and now I have been staring at this watch over and over again...the rarity of th dial, the condition of the watch...simply unbelievable. I am just speechless. Carzy, insane, utterly beautiful, trascending to the sublime...

Jan

Really a stunning example, PS!



Would love to see more of the beautiful scans!

Ohhhhhhh Philipp,

i still remember the first.
Ohhhh how times have changed

Enjoy my friend.. see you soon. Crazy .... just crazy....


B

What an unveliebable piece.....congratulations , simply a miracle finding such a wonderful watch , enjoy it with health

I'm speechless! That's an amazing timepiece!

ExtraBig Congrat!!!! )

Cheers,

Francesco

--------{==================}--------

Relaxa med Axa

Very Nice...big catch ...congrats and enjoy it !!! Fantastic.

G.

slowly enjoying it with my coffee.....truly amazing!!!!!!
Congrats P!!!!

I must be dreaming

Beautiful Philipp!!!

I am speechless!!!!

:-O

VWD Mr.P

best,

Steve

To Mexico!

Beautiful watch in great condition - congratulations on her acquisition...

Cheers

Mark

A great watch, congratulations.

regards

John

...to think over my too focused collecting....

Congrats!
A

ahahaha congrats on getting your hands on a very sweet find! like us, you are a fellow treasure hunter and your posts always give us the inspiration to keep sniffing and searching around these tropical islands looking for unusual pieces! i can only hope that someday you will be congratulating me when i get lucky and find something stunning too!

enjoy and all the best to you and your family!

janice

cebu city philippines

As so others here have said, THAT IS INCREDIBLE!!!! congrats on the acquisition. wear it in the best of health!!

THAT ONE!!!!!

.... as we say downunder. That's one fine looking 3-6-9 Philipp. Big congrats !

I've always said the finest watches in the world have passed through Eric's hands to deserving clientel

________________________
Cliffy

What a find!! Well done mate, very pleased for you! Looking forward to seeing many many more pictures!

Great post! Congrats on your hard work. These Rolex are awesome. A man's watch isn't just a piece of jewelry but a very personal item that lasts a lifetime. A Rolex wristwatch is also considered a status symbol, and prestigious people are often seen wearing these watches. Owning a Rolex watch means that you are wearing one of the most recognized, often counterfeited watch brands in the world.


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