Rolex Big Crown Submariner Ref. 6200 Acquisition
Vintage

Rolex Big Crown Submariner Ref. 6200 Acquisition

By Baron - Mr Red · May 21, 2012 · 43 replies
Baron - Mr Red
WPS member · Rolex forum
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Baron - Mr Red shares his exhilarating journey to acquire a Rolex Big Crown Submariner Ref. 6200, a highly coveted and rare vintage timepiece. His narrative details the challenges of finding an authentic example and the importance of trusted friendships in the collecting world. This post offers a personal glimpse into the dedication and passion required to secure a true grail watch, highlighting the unique characteristics that make the 6200 so special.

For some time, I have looked at the big crowns and wondered if ever I would manage to find one that I fell for. I have owned a Tudor BC before, but for one reason or another I decided not to keep it. I have never owned a Rolex big crown. I saw an absolutely stunning 6538 with a dial like a mirror, but it had two problems. First, it had an underline and I tend to associate that with being a service dial. Second, it was astonishingly expensive. I was also offered another beautiful 6538 at a much more realistic price, but it too had the underline. Many think this is a sexy feature. For me, it is a service dial albeit from the era and that would nag at me.I also came close with a 5510. The 5510 is one of the rarest Rolex references. 5510 with the original and accepted correct dial (haha) are virtually impossible to find. Possibly less than a handful known to exist. I have never seen one and never been offered one. I found a nice 5510 but with a dial that I suspect is not original to the watch and is possibly a service dial. Yet, that deal did not happen. Having owned a 7924 Tudor BC with a service dial, I think i would have made a mistake to go for a 5510 with a service dial. That just leaves the 6200...the first ever Rolex big crown. 

Well, the 6200 found me. It happened when i was in Munich....a dealer had bought one as part of a trade for another watch and wanted to sell. It was offered to a friend if mine who knew I was looking for one.

He immediately came to look for me to show me the watch he had been offered. It was a perfect 6200. Correct serial number....32XXX. Correct caseback. Correct movement. Correct engravings. Dial is stunning...some mild pitting but it is evenly spread. Hands - original. Lume - original. Original original original. I could not believe my fortune. 

Now, let me be blunt...my friend could have taken the watch...it was offered to him first. And he could have immediately re-sold it for a profit. He did not.....and it is for people like him that gives watch collecting the highs that it often has. Many many thanks to you, M.... you know who you are.

The 6200 ...uhm. Probably about 300 made. Many have turned up with original owners being British military. But it is not known for sure if it was a military watch or not. There is some debate over which was the very first Rolex Submariner. All three contenders were produced and sold at roughly the same time; 6200, 6204 and 6205. Logically, one would think this reference order would indicate the order of production, but that would be too simple. The 6200 also has an older movement relative to the 6204 and 6205, again suggesting this was the first. But, the serial number sequencing is probably a stronger indicator. That puts the 6204 as first and 50:50 on what is second between the 6205 and 6200.

What is certain, however, is that the 6200 is the very first big crown. It carries the 3-6-9 explorer dial, which also marks it out as special. Here are some scans i have of the watch....



























What can i say? This Big Crown now fills a big hole in my collection. I picked it up from the airport from Munich this morning. Along with my 5508, I now have the two unprotected crown Subs that I want...both perfect in their own way. 

And now, as Nicolas would say, what next?

Well, now that I have sold my house and car, and am living in a shed, there is nothing left to sell so maybe worth enjoying this wonder for a bit!

B


About the Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508

The Rolex Submariner reference 5508 represents the No Date series within the Submariner model range. Produced from 1958 to 1962, this reference is distinguished by its black dial that has developed spider patina over time.

The 5508 features a 37mm stainless steel case fitted with an acrylic crystal and rotating bezel. Water resistance is rated to 200 meters. The automatic Cal. 1530 movement provides 42-48 hours of power reserve. The watch is paired with a steel bracelet.

This reference appeals to collectors focused on vintage Submariner variants from the late 1950s and early 1960s production period. The spider patina dial condition represents a specific aging characteristic that develops over decades. Within the No Date Submariner lineup, the 5508 occupies the position of a four-year production run reference with the Cal. 1530 movement.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal. 1530
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
37 mm
Dial
Black with spider patina
Water Resist.
200m
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AM
amanico
May 21, 2012

Not only you got a 6200, but aa very nice one. An icon, a very important watch, which can sum what is a Subamriner, as the mother of all Subs. One of the two or three Vintage Rolex which count. You know how much I love my Tudor 7924, but it can't compete with this one. Wow, my friend... WOW! Huge congratulations to you, without forgetting your friend who helped you on this Monster. Best, Nicolas.

BI
Bill
May 21, 2012

Very big congrats on the new acquisition. Wear it in good health. Bill

SU
Subexplorer
May 21, 2012

... with this great find! This is a most important piece of history for Rolex diving watches. Yes, I guess it is time for you to focus in enjoying these beauties. You deserve it! These timepieces too! That´s the name of the game, enjoying what we have. Something we sometimes forget, in the exhilaration of the search and the hunt! I´m very happy for you, and send my best cordial regards, together with my congrats! Abel.

BA
Baron - Mr Red
May 21, 2012

...well, I guess you knew it was coming.... man, i forgot just how big those cronwns are back to being a member of the Order of the Knights of the Big Crown again!!

DR
DrStrong
May 21, 2012

big congrats for sourcing the Holy Grail of Submariner collecting. Simple as that ;-)

BA
Baron - Mr Red
May 21, 2012

....so often its better to be consistently lucky than good

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