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 Ref. 6205
The Rolex Submariner reference 6205 is an early iteration of the Submariner line, distinguished by its pencil hands and a bezel without minute markers for the first fifteen minutes. This reference is notable for being one of the first Submariner models to feature the "Submariner" name on the dial, a key identifier for collectors of early dive watches. It represents a transitional period in the development of the Submariner, preceding later references with more standardized design elements. Its design cues reflect the functional requirements of its era, emphasizing legibility and durability.
This reference typically features a stainless steel case, housing an automatic movement. The case diameter is characteristic of early sports watches, providing a balanced presence on the wrist. The crystal is a domed plexiglass, contributing to its vintage aesthetic and offering a warm distortion at the edges. The movement is an automatic caliber, designed for reliability and consistent timekeeping. The water resistance rating was appropriate for its intended use as a tool watch, though specific depths varied in early production.
For collectors, the reference 6205 is significant due to its early production date and its role in establishing the Submariner's design language. Its scarcity, particularly with well-preserved dials and bezels, makes it a sought-after piece. Variants may exist in dial text and bezel configurations, which are closely examined by enthusiasts. This reference appeals to those interested in the foundational models of Rolex's professional watch lines, offering insight into the brand's early approach to purpose-built timepieces.
Specifications
- Caliber
- A260
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 38mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Plexiglass