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Asking your advice on a 6538

HansW
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Hello everyone!
I'm new as an active member here. I am chasing for my grail watch quite a while now - a big crown Submariner... A good loocking example did pop up the last days but i am not 100 percent sure about it:
https://www.chrono24.de/rolex/6538-matte-dial-big-crown-submariner-57--id14763887.htm

I would really appreciate your opinion about that example. I am not sure about the space between the chapter ring and the bezel - is that correct?
I've Seen that on servive dials before...
Any red flags??
Thanks a Lot!
Chris
 
HansW
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Hi Killer,
Yeah i know it's a service dial but is It genuine? That's my question...
Thanks
 
K
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It looks authentic at first glance but I don’t know the service dial catalog but it also has the wrong relumed hands and bezel. I would ask for macro shots and pics of the crown and movement
 
MedicMike
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From a total newbie- what is a service dial, hands, and crowns?
 
Dan S
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T<25 dials didn't start until 1964-ish. As mentioned above, the insert and hands are also service parts. It's a pretty watch, but it's not for a collector.

@HansW, usually we like to have photos instead of links, to preserve them for posterity, so I will add a photo.

rolex.jpg
 
K
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MedicMike MedicMike
From a total newbie- what is a service dial, hands, and crowns?

hour/minute/second hand that were replaced by the manufacturer or someone else to make the watch appear more new (or more nefarious ends) the crown is the name of the part used to wind the watch
 
K
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Dan S Dan S
T<25 dials didn't start until 1964-ish. As mentioned above, the insert and hands are also service parts. It's a pretty watch, but it's not for a collector.

@HansW, usually we like to have photos instead of links, to preserve them for posterity, so I will add a photo.

rolex.jpg

@Dan S My only doubt was if the proper Rolex issued service dial were tritium chapter ring dials in place of the older radium dials
 
MedicMike
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K killer67
hour/minute/second hand that were replaced by the manufacturer or someone else to make the watch appear more new (or more nefarious ends) the crown is the name of the part used to wind the watch
So when a watch goes in for a service and the manufacture replaces the dial or hands it may not be an exact match to the original?
 
K
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MedicMike MedicMike
So when a watch goes in for a service and the manufacture replaces the dial or hands it may not be an exact match to the original?

correct - if any parts are damaged, non functioning or in less than good condition they put a newer modern replacement they deem appropriate and charge you accordingly (akin to resoling an old pair of shoes) unless you request otherwise (and even then manufacturers have been known to ignore those instructions)
 
MedicMike
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K killer67
correct - if any parts are damaged, non functioning or in less than good condition they put a newer modern replacement they deem appropriate and charge you accordingly (akin to resoling an old pair of shoes) unless you request otherwise (and even then manufacturers have been known to ignore those instructions)
Interesting. I had heard of that happening but had no idea it could be parts not original to the specific model. Good info to know. Thank you.
 
Dan S
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K killer67
@Dan S My only doubt was if the proper Rolex issued service dial were tritium chapter ring dials in place of the older radium dials

I understand and I also have no idea; it's a plausible replacement obviously. As I'm sure you agree, the matte dial with white printing just doesn't hold a candle to the original gilt gloss. To me, it seems pointless to consider buying this reference missing its most appealing and characteristic features.
 
K
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Dan S Dan S
I understand and I also have no idea; it's a plausible replacement obviously. As I'm sure you agree, the matte dial with white printing just doesn't hold a candle to the original gilt gloss. Seems pointless to consider buying this reference missing its most appealing and characteristic features.

yes - totally out of place and undesirable at any price imo
 
Nobel Prize
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It’s a nice watch regardless. Not everyone is a collector. If the watch is good to you use the info to get to the right price.

collectors value untouched original product above all else. But there’s a list of different options out there. Every time we service a watch some piece is replaced...... if the watch is for you, and you like it, it’s a good watch and it appears to have original Rolex parts used on as part of service. It’s ok.

just don’t pay the right amount.

i had a 1675, 1971 pristine. My brother in law loathed it and thought I should replace the dial and bezel for new parts. It’s his taste, it’s ok. Don’t let collectors tell you what’s right, they’re not wearing your watch.

That said, knowledge is power. And members are giving you power.
 
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Nobel Prize Nobel Prize
It’s a nice watch regardless. Not everyone is a collector. If the watch is good to you use the info to get to the right price.

just want to clarify that it’s not for me but everyone should get what speaks to them and beings them joy
 
HansW
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Hello everybody,
I'm very grateful for your opinions and thoughts!
Thanks a lot!! Members are indeed giving me power... I would buy this watch to really wear it and i have to admit i feel more comfortable having tritium instead of radium for a daily driver - i know it's a bit of a controversy - what do you think about that point?
Chris
P.S.: and yeah the gilt dials are indeed beautiful and do carry a lot of the spirit of a watch - no doubt about that.
Edited:
 
K
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HansW HansW
I would buy this watch to really wear it and i have to admit i feel more comfortable having tritium instead of radium for a daily driver - i know it's a bit of a controversy - what do you think about that point?

I don’t think it’s a cause for concern as it’s content is relatively minor compared to other products we are exposed to regularly
 
Dan S
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There have been a number of other threads where the issue of radium lume and radon have been comprehensively discussed. I suggest reading those threads. Use the forum search engine or google to look for threads on radium lume and radon, and you will get many opinions, as well as data from tests that various members have performed.
 
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