The “nato” strap was just a nylon “pre-nato” strap that belonged to a crew member. 16mm was a common strap size when people wore smaller watches. I love the handmade feel of the early Bonds
Id guy promoted your channel and also my own a while back, so thanks to him I now get to enjoy your content! I have to say this is absolutely brilliant, the 58 big crown brings back memory’s, 10 years ago I passed on the same big crown simply because the condition was “too rough” the watch was completely original and by memory I think it was 13 or 14k! But unfortunately I was a newbie at the time so lesson learned! Thanks for sharing, Cheers, Jimmy.
Thanks Man! The 6538's are for sure climbing in desirability and in tangible value but they also are so cool and hold an important place in Rolex and pop culture history! Stay tuned for some new vids!!
Bar none, my favorite Submariner reference and debatably my favorite watch ever. While my granddad’s 5513 scratches a great itch, there’s always been something so captivating about the 6538 and 5510 Subs. Maybe it’s their smaller 38mm case, the 8mm big crown, and maybe even the different numeral fonts on the bezels compared to what came later. But it’s the definitive Sub in my eyes. Now I know I am never going to able to afford this reference as of now, so instead, after much research and finding dimension and measurement accurate parts, I built my own! Backed by a ETA 2824 Swiss movement, I found a nice Sterile(no branding) gilt dial that matches Connery’s bond dial, and was able to hunt down a nice 19mm riveted bracelet. The case has also been pressure tested to 100M water resistance so it can go in the ocean with me! My understanding is Seiko makes customizable parts that support their own NH line and they based their part measurements on the Swiss ETA movement specs so you can use their dials interchangeably with the Swiss movements. The dial and hands were shipped from China and they all fit together like a glove. I also followed it up with a 6542 build! I know some will say I should just save and buy a Tudor black bay 58 or 54, but to me, those watches have more bite to them than to be simply consider vintage Rolex homages(from their own creator no less). Plus I have my sights more fixed on the GMT black bay 41 Pepsi for a Tudor. Those two watches marked a significant turn for me because it changed me from a collector, to a full blown enthusiast and changed how I not only look at a watch, but how I now interact with them. And it wouldn’t have happened, had it not been for this watch. It’s been ingrained in my head since I was a youngster, watching Goldfinger and Dr. No with my granddad, who thought Bond’s Sub was the coolest thing ever. The line in Dr. No when Bond activates a Geiger counter with the radioactive dial of the Submariner, it stuck with him and then the obvious close up of it in Goldfinger, both stuck with my grandad and I. This watch truly left a huge mark on me.
I have seen from various sources online that the Rolex 6538 that Sean Connery wore in Thunderball actually belonged to producer Cubby Broccoli. The James Bond franchise was at the time still in its infancy and repetitively unknown so Rolex refused to supply a Rolex for the movie, so at the last minute Cubby Broccoli loaned his watch to Connery.
@@austinzizzi1142 If it doesn’t cause financial instability, go for it. The Blancpain is a grail for many, and it’s refreshing to see in the sea of black bays, Pelagos watches, submariners, and seamasters. The uniqueness, history, and the movement are worth it.
I think he has got the dates slightly wrong. The rarest Sub of all is the 6536 of 1955, I believe only 100 examples were produced. Very similar to the 6538 but with a smaller winder. I believe the 6538 was started manufacture about 1956/1957. It is strange that two subs manufactured in the same year with the same model no can be different in several ways. It is almost as if the individual manufacturing engineer had his own individual concept of the dial ie underlined, chapter ring etc.
Beautiful example, so if you could only have one vintage diver would it be the big crown sub, Seamaster 300 or Fifty Fathoms?? I have the Seamaster but prefer this sub, in modern variations I’d take the Blancpain.
FOR ME THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SUBMARINER IS THE 6538 EXACTLY AS THE ONE JAMES BOND USED IN "GOLDFINGER",NOT THE VARIANTS! IT WAS SMALLER AND THE CIRCLES OF THE MINUTS BIGGER,! IF ROLEX DO THE EXACT MODEL OF THE MOVIE THEY WOULD SELL LOTS OF SUBMARINERS,MORE THAN TODAY!SOMETIMES ANCIENT THINGS ARE MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN THE NEWS!
I'm a sub collector, currently in my collection: 6538, 1680, 5517, 114060. and just purchased an early 5513.... I am covered in tattoos. What subs do you have?
@@CarlRencer Since you featured a fake submariner on your channel, I find your claim difficult to believe. Regardless, while I don't like tattoos, we shouldn't openly shame those that do have them.
I just fell more in love with my BB58. I now truly appreciate what Tudor has done!
Holy crap this sub is beautiful! You’re so fortunate to be able to handle these pieces of history!
The “nato” strap was just a nylon “pre-nato” strap that belonged to a crew member. 16mm was a common strap size when people wore smaller watches. I love the handmade feel of the early Bonds
According to various sources online, the Rolex that Sean Connery wore in “Thunderball” actually belonged to producer Cubby Broccoli.
Id guy promoted your channel and also my own a while back, so thanks to him I now get to enjoy your content!
I have to say this is absolutely brilliant, the 58 big crown brings back memory’s, 10 years ago I passed on the same big crown simply because the condition was “too rough” the watch was completely original and by memory I think it was 13 or 14k! But unfortunately I was a newbie at the time so lesson learned!
Thanks for sharing,
Cheers, Jimmy.
Thanks Man! The 6538's are for sure climbing in desirability and in tangible value but they also are so cool and hold an important place in Rolex and pop culture history! Stay tuned for some new vids!!
I love my Bond Gruen 510, classic Bond on a budget.
Great informative video. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Bar none, my favorite Submariner reference and debatably my favorite watch ever. While my granddad’s 5513 scratches a great itch, there’s always been something so captivating about the 6538 and 5510 Subs. Maybe it’s their smaller 38mm case, the 8mm big crown, and maybe even the different numeral fonts on the bezels compared to what came later. But it’s the definitive Sub in my eyes. Now I know I am never going to able to afford this reference as of now, so instead, after much research and finding dimension and measurement accurate parts, I built my own! Backed by a ETA 2824 Swiss movement, I found a nice Sterile(no branding) gilt dial that matches Connery’s bond dial, and was able to hunt down a nice 19mm riveted bracelet. The case has also been pressure tested to 100M water resistance so it can go in the ocean with me! My understanding is Seiko makes customizable parts that support their own NH line and they based their part measurements on the Swiss ETA movement specs so you can use their dials interchangeably with the Swiss movements. The dial and hands were shipped from China and they all fit together like a glove. I also followed it up with a 6542 build! I know some will say I should just save and buy a Tudor black bay 58 or 54, but to me, those watches have more bite to them than to be simply consider vintage Rolex homages(from their own creator no less). Plus I have my sights more fixed on the GMT black bay 41 Pepsi for a Tudor. Those two watches marked a significant turn for me because it changed me from a collector, to a full blown enthusiast and changed how I not only look at a watch, but how I now interact with them. And it wouldn’t have happened, had it not been for this watch. It’s been ingrained in my head since I was a youngster, watching Goldfinger and Dr. No with my granddad, who thought Bond’s Sub was the coolest thing ever. The line in Dr. No when Bond activates a Geiger counter with the radioactive dial of the Submariner, it stuck with him and then the obvious close up of it in Goldfinger, both stuck with my grandad and I. This watch truly left a huge mark on me.
Love ur contents!
Thanks for the love and support!
Man. One day. One day.
I have seen from various sources online that the Rolex 6538 that Sean Connery wore in Thunderball actually belonged to producer Cubby Broccoli. The James Bond franchise was at the time still in its infancy and repetitively unknown so Rolex refused to supply a Rolex for the movie, so at the last minute Cubby Broccoli loaned his watch to Connery.
What's the diameter of the watch in millimetres? I heard you say around 4:33 that it is 38-40mm. Did you get the precise measurements?
38
Suggestion: Tudor BB 58
I really want to customize my bb54 to look exactly like this
There’s actually a guy on YT that customized his with a gen Rolex big crown and vintage gen 6538 handset. He offers for others too
@@RabbitWatchShop Ik he charges like 3k for it. I’m selling it instead and buying the new fifty fathoms
@@austinzizzi1142 quite the jump up! Good luck 👍
@@RabbitWatchShop yeah it’s like 3 times the price I’ve ever paid for a watch so I’m very nervous
@@austinzizzi1142 If it doesn’t cause financial instability, go for it. The Blancpain is a grail for many, and it’s refreshing to see in the sea of black bays, Pelagos watches, submariners, and seamasters. The uniqueness, history, and the movement are worth it.
Please explain to me what "Red Depth" means? I can't figure out what makes them different than other 6538s.
This is amazing watch
I think he has got the dates slightly wrong. The rarest Sub of all is the 6536 of 1955, I believe only 100 examples were produced. Very similar to the 6538 but with a smaller winder. I believe the 6538 was started manufacture about 1956/1957. It is strange that two subs manufactured in the same year with the same model no can be different in several ways. It is almost as if the individual manufacturing engineer had his own individual concept of the dial ie underlined, chapter ring etc.
Beautiful example, so if you could only have one vintage diver would it be the big crown sub, Seamaster 300 or Fifty Fathoms?? I have the Seamaster but prefer this sub, in modern variations I’d take the Blancpain.
does the iPhone have a Geiger counter?
Can you show more of the watch and less of the guy?
here you go! 😎
www.craftandtailored.com/products/1958-rolex-submariner-ref-6538-big-crown?_pos=5&_sid=377c995b6&_ss=r
The Big Kahuna 6538 Big Mamba Big Bad La Bibabibabiba La Bamba Big Bad Bertha Big Bad Ben Ramalamalama La Big Crown La Bamba Bond
heheheh
FOR ME THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SUBMARINER IS THE 6538 EXACTLY AS THE ONE JAMES BOND USED IN "GOLDFINGER",NOT THE VARIANTS! IT WAS SMALLER AND THE CIRCLES OF THE MINUTS BIGGER,! IF ROLEX DO THE EXACT MODEL OF THE MOVIE THEY WOULD SELL LOTS OF SUBMARINERS,MORE THAN TODAY!SOMETIMES ANCIENT THINGS ARE MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN THE NEWS!
😎
Definitely wouldn’t pay more than 2k for any vintage watch that would be hard to service! Cool piece though
Glad you like it!!🙌
The watch is of course a touch of class. The tattoos are not.
Sez you.
I'm a sub collector, currently in my collection:
6538, 1680, 5517, 114060. and just purchased an early 5513.... I am covered in tattoos. What subs do you have?
@@CarlRencer Since you featured a fake submariner on your channel, I find your claim difficult to believe. Regardless, while I don't like tattoos, we shouldn't openly shame those that do have them.
"fake" @@RabbitWatchShop
@@Junkwave_ Yes, there is a fake counterfeit submariner on his channel.