Another treasure Rolex 6538 “ Big Crown “resurfaces .

[Norbert]

I know a number of the members are interested in rarities , this one could prove interesting when it comes up for auction on the 13/12/23.
I have spoken with the auction room and they have been informed this is a one owner watch from new & clearly it has had a life !
Viewings available by appointment with the auction room if required, prior to listed viewing dates .

I hope this information helps any member who maybe interested.

I hope I’m not teaching the members to suck eggs , however the buyers premium at auctions can be significantly reduced from that advertised on Saleroom.com by registering and dealing with the listing auction house directly.


I hope you enjoy this glimpse into the past , as I did .

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/a...e-b0ba0118c687

[walkerwek1958]

Looks like a battered piece of crap to me.....I`m sure others will see it differently.

[Ar.parask]

Looks like a battered piece of crap to me.....I`m sure others will see it differently.

Honest question. Do you find happiness in life?


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[walkerwek1958]

Honest question. Do you find happiness in life?


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Yes, I most certainly do. I also own a decent collection of vintage watches that are all in very good condition and wear as they did when new.

This Rolex is a battered piece of crap, the fact that some idiots perceive it to have value doesn’t change that. The watch is knackered, if it was in nice condition it might be desirable, but it isn't.

I’ve never seen the big attraction with dive watches, it’s all a bit wannabe in my opinion, and I certainly can’t see any attraction whatsoever in battered scruffy ones.

You OK with that?

[Sinnlover]

Yes, I most certainly do. I also own a decent collection of vintage watches that are all in very good condition and wear as they did when new.

This Rolex is a battered piece of crap, the fact that some idiots perceive it to have value doesn’t change that. The watch is knackered, if it was in nice condition it might be desirable, but it isn't.

I’ve never seen the big attraction with dive watches, it’s all a bit wannabe in my opinion, and I certainly can’t see any attraction whatsoever in battered scruffy ones.

You OK with that?

Opinions are like ar5eholes we all have one
Some people don’t like garish gold watches, some people don’t like chronographs.
No right or wrong answer.

[Ar.parask]

Yes, I most certainly do. I also own a decent collection of vintage watches that are all in very good condition and wear as they did when new.

This Rolex is a battered piece of crap, the fact that some idiots perceive it to have value doesn’t change that. The watch is knackered, if it was in nice condition it might be desirable, but it isn't.

I’ve never seen the big attraction with dive watches, it’s all a bit wannabe in my opinion, and I certainly can’t see any attraction whatsoever in battered scruffy ones.

You OK with that?

I am. Would also love to see you posting with a bit more positive vibe. Even if that means showcasing your vintage pieces, which I would love to see btw


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[David_D]

Looks like a battered piece of crap to me.....I`m sure others will see it differently.

I’m afraid you’ve failed your Antiques Roadshow expert audition. 😁

[walkerwek1958]

Can`t draw any conclusions from pictures of the movement, it doesn`t look horrendous but there's no way to assess the degree of wear. It will be restorable at a price.

How much would someone have to pay to buy a good example? I see no attraction in scruffy old Rolex dive watches so I don`t follow the market, but this has made me curious. I know folks pay silly money for tatty old crap where Rolex is concerned but I`ve absolutely no idea what one of the better examples would cost.

I`m almost as old as this watch (6 months younger) but I think I`m in far better condition. Mechanically I`m still functioning well and meeting design criteria, albeit not to the same level of performance as in days gone by. Cosmetically I`m still in decent condition despite the inevitable patina, I wear my years well which is more than can be said for this watch.

I could almost 'get' the birth year thing if the watch being chosen was a decent example that similarly wore it's years well, but why get something that looks totally knackered like this watch? By the same premise, someone who perceives themselves as looking knackered might be more comfortable with a watch in similar condition, a bit like dog owners subconsciously choosing a dog that resembles themselves. Food for thought?

[Montello]

This is a project watch, it will be bought by someone to renovate to make a profit, I can’t see anyone buying that to preserve it as is.

It would be good if the buyer came back and showed us how it turns out.

[unclealec]

Paul, I think you have just helped me to understand why I like my battered old Navitimer so much!

[walkerwek1958]

Paul, I think you have just helped me to understand why I like my battered old Navitimer so much!

From what I recall, seeing you both together, you're in better nick than the watch!

[learningtofly]

Can`t draw any conclusions from pictures of the movement, it doesn`t look horrendous but there's no way to assess the degree of wear. It will be restorable at a price.

How much would someone have to pay to buy a good example? I see no attraction in scruffy old Rolex dive watches so I don`t follow the market, but this has made me curious. I know folks pay silly money for tatty old crap where Rolex is concerned but I`ve absolutely no idea what one of the better examples would cost.

I`m almost as old as this watch (6 months younger) but I think I`m in far better condition. Mechanically I`m still functioning well and meeting design criteria, albeit not to the same level of performance as in days gone by. Cosmetically I`m still in decent condition despite the inevitable patina, I wear my years well which is more than can be said for this watch.

I could almost 'get' the birth year thing if the watch being chosen was a decent example that similarly wore it's years well, but why get something that looks totally knackered like this watch? By the same premise, someone who perceives themselves as looking knackered might be more comfortable with a watch in similar condition, a bit like dog owners subconsciously choosing a dog that resembles themselves. Food for thought?

NO. Just give it a rest, FFS.

[Sinnlover]

NO. Just give it a rest, FFS.

Well said!

[Hood]

I`m almost as old as this watch (6 months younger) but I think I`m in far better condition. Mechanically I`m still functioning well and meeting design criteria, albeit not to the same level of performance as in days gone by. Cosmetically I`m still in decent condition despite the inevitable patina, I wear my years well which is more than can be said for this watch.

If I remember the pics of those GTG's you looked a mess mate.

[walkerwek1958]

If I remember the pics of those GTG's you looked a mess mate.

Wrong!

Still running, still gym-ing, not much heavier than when I ran seriously 30+ years ago. Like I said, I`m in far better nick than that tatty Rolex and I`m in better condition than many folks half my age. That's a fact.

No-one's answered my question; what would the price of a decent 1957 Rolex Sub be? That's the starting point to value this piece of tat, work backwards and factr in the cost of replacing stuff and getting it restored. If the numbers don't work it isn`t worth buying regardless of the birth-year connotation.

Buy with head not heart

[Brian]

Looks like a battered piece of crap to me.....I`m sure others will see it differently.

I see it the same as you (maybe not "crap")


I cannot see the original aesthetic ever being restored without doing a Theseus (paradox) on it and I certainly wouldn't wear it like that.

Butttttt you know it's a free country and people buy piles of rust and then drive them so who am I to say anything about what they do with their money or which art they should like.

B

[walkerwek1958]

I see it the same as you (maybe not "crap")


I cannot see the original aesthetic ever being restored without doing a Theseus (paradox) on it and I certainly wouldn't wear it like that.

Butttttt you know it's a free country and people buy piles of rust and then drive them so who am I to say anything about what they do with their money or which art they should like.

B

Madness in my opinion, cannot imagine anyone wanting to own it, I stand by my original comments.

Currently wearing a 1959 Omega Constellation, 18 ct gold with a near - perfect original pie pan dial, the watch has had a very gentle life and looks every bit as sharp as it did when new, probably one of the best examples in existence and worth over £4000 on a good day. That’s my take on vintage watches, I could understand the Rolex fetching big money if it was in similar condition, but it isn’t, it’s a scruffy piece of tat.

I don’t get it, I never will.

[kevkojak]

Ooof, was that a Rolex once??

At least it has a sensible estimate.

[Griswold]

I guess that GBP in the price stands for Great British Pence.

[boring_sandwich]

At least you could wear it without the worry of getting robbed.

The thieves wouldn't recognise it!

[Montello]

Send that off to Rolex for a service, new dial, hands, bezel and polish and it would be spot on ...

[TKH]

Dr “Oh No”

[chrisparker]

If 'found in the bottom of grandad's tool box' was a watch.

[iml]

If that was on eBay it would be described as "in good used condition, some marks".

[tommyzzj]

Dr “Oh No”

:D

Shame it's so battered... otherwise the bezel insert alone is worth a decent amount

[Saxon007]

Dr “Oh No”

Well done, thanks for the chuckle!

[bond]

Dr “Oh No”

:)

From Russia without Love


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[Sinnlover]

I like it, not sure the bezel insert will remain in place for long though.
I would rather this one than a shiny new one.

[higham5]

One careful owner……….who lost his hammer many years ago :)

[Lammylee]

Used for timing average detonation of landmines.

[Kingstepper]

No-one likes a battered car (or most stuff) so why a watch?

[Montello]

No-one likes a battered car (or most stuff) so why a watch?

No idea. All the most desirable classic / vintage cars are restored back to as new condition. No one wants patina on their 1960 Ferrari. So why do people want beaten up old watches, it’s a real anomaly…

[Dynam0humm]

I like vintage and I don't mind some honest patina, but dear me that's a mess. No one's buying that 'because of the stories it could tell' or other BS. The dial needs major work for a start and once you go down that rabbit hole... No doubt it'll resurface in a couple of years time in one of the top auctions, looking splendid and with a 50k+ estimate and Perezcope will be all over it like a fat kid on chocolate.

No idea. All the most desirable classic / vintage cars are restored back to as new condition. No one wants patina on their 1960 Ferrari. So why do people want beaten up old watches, it’s a real anomaly…

Original paint and interior can be a huge deal on a high end classic. Your average 60's Ferrari is probably on it's second or third resto by now, so finding something that's never been painted or pranged and has been well looked after is unicorn material for some, even if it does look a bit tired from the outside.

[Russ]

We can all have opinions and likes and dislikes. The market is something we have no control over so we have to accept it, ranting is pointless. That watch is much too far gone IMO and it wouldn't be a pleasure for me to own. As a young kid in the 60's my dad gave me some of his coin collection to "start me off". The first thing I wanted to do was get the Duraglit out and polish those black victorian pennies to a nice copper shine. He stopped me of course. It would polish away any value or future interest from anyone else. One lesson learned that things could be different to the way you think best.
It's good to field what others think. I just don't enjoy those that use a hammer and chisel to put their opinion into peoples minds.

[unclealec]

It's completely subjective.
I have a battered old Navitimer that I actually prefer in its well-used state. No way would I contemplate having it restored to look like new.

But this Rolex to me is way beyond being worn as it is; it would probably be bought for restoration. Not my bag, but if someone else chooses that route then I wish them luck and happiness.

[walkerwek1958]

No-one likes a battered car (or most stuff) so why a watch?

Agreed, I`ve never understood the appeal of either! I like old cars and I like old watches, but I don't like scruffy old crap regardless of the makers name.

Kings New Clothes?........the aficionados have been conditioned to believe they like stuff like this battered old Rolex, some idiot will pay strong money to buy this thing and he'll get applause from similar like-minded 'enthusiasts' who despite keeping their money in their pocket will enjoy extolling the virtues of this piece of tat on forums like this.

Seriously, how can anyone derive pleasure from owning this?

[Crammage]

Agreed, I`ve never understood the appeal of either! I like old cars and I like old watches, but I don't like scruffy old crap regardless of the makers name.

Kings New Clothes?........the aficionados have been conditioned to believe they like stuff like this battered old Rolex, some idiot will pay strong money to buy this thing and he'll get applause from similar like-minded 'enthusiasts' who despite keeping their money in their pocket will enjoy extolling the virtues of this piece of tat on forums like this.

Seriously, how can anyone derive pleasure from owning this?

Possibly because everyone else has their own likes and dislikes which differ from yours.

A mind blowing concept I know.

[Norbert]

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/a...e-b0ba0118c687

Having revisited this thread and the original auctioneers listing ( as above ) this morning , I now note that there is an image of the movement , plus a more detailed and interesting provenance.

I am not qualified to make any horological observations other than , I suspect this movement is in better nick than mine , yes it’s a birth year watch for me , 66 years old , I only wish the watch could reveal what it has experienced in its life time !

Enjoy or not as the case maybe , however the forum is here for all forms of polite discussion and sharing of our hobby / passion/ experiences / knowledge , this is what makes this such a great asset to us all .

I only wish I had the funds to purchase this item that shares the same year of arrival.
HAGWE


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[wileeeeeey]

Newsflash: different people like different things.

[Sinnlover]

Newsflash: different people like different things.

However some people can’t understand that and want to force their opinion down everyone else’s throats

[wileeeeeey]

However some people can’t understand that and want to force their opinion down everyone else’s throats

No fun drinking paint stripper all evening just to log onto TZ and agree with everyone. No entertainment in that for him.

[RobDad]

That’s like introducing your mates to your wrinkled 95 year old girlfriend and describing her as a supermodel with patina

[nickyboyo]

So what’s the sweepstake going at for what it will go for?


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[Norbert]

So what’s the sweepstake going at for what it will go for?


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£14k …. Ish


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[Norbert]

This watch just sold for £43500 , plus premium .
I would love to see it in 12 months time !



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[learningtofly]

This watch just sold for £43500 , plus premium .
I would love to see it in 12 months time !



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That's a strong price, and so would I!