Rolex

For many, the Submariner 6200 represents the essence of Rolex. I was lucky enough to buy one a few years ago and can say that it is a very special watch. To review such a watch, however, has not been easy. It is not as if Rolex have provided detailed hist...  

All is there, the dial variations, the movement, the case, the crown, the history. I learned a lot, thanks to you, through your article. The King of Submariners, for me too. Please, bring it with you, I still have to bring it to bed! :) Best, Nicolas

......and regrettably it sits in a bed far from me at the moment.... Nicolas, thanks for your comments....appreciated. This was a labour of love. So many different things to discuss on this watch for sure....

There is no match... My favourite was the Tudor 7922 / 24. But it was before I met your 6200. Yes, I had to bring it to bed! Best, Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-02-08 03:02:32

It's wonderful to read about such special pieces. Thanks for sharing!

...you know Nicolas once posted this advert by a used Aston Martin dealer...i can't find it but I'd love him to post it again....... Nicolas???

and the 6200 IS the one ! fantastic watch.

thanks Baron! Big crowns are very special watches, one can only understand afetr having put one on the wrist! Matt

I envy you....thanks for sharing !

...  

... viewing all the great photography. This is an historical watch, with lots of interest to timepice aficionados, and specially for those who, like me, love the Submariner, its heritage and history. It is true that the history of Submariner is full of co... 

....i am so pleased that you enjoyed this post

Great coverage the must have reference for every collector. I was curious about the depth rating 200 meters. They never inscribed that on the dial? It may be there but faint. Just curious. Great report Thanks Bill

I have always wondered whether it was called the 6200, because of the last three digits representing the 200m depth rating? Just a coincidence, maybe. Bill....thanks for those comments. Very appreciated.

I guess this is the case for every Rolex 6200. Makes you wonder about the depth rating and why the did not advertise it on the dial. If they really wanted to feature this advantage over the typical 100 meter depth watches why not on the dial. Curious. Bil... 

.....if the 6200 was only manufactured in tiny numbers and aimed specifically the professional market, then maybe it just wasn't so important to mark the dial with 200m? It would be assumed that the professional buying the watch would have done a lot more... 

A dive watch that does not advertise their depth. Just more things that make Rolex curious. Thanks Bill

....on some dials it states Submariner, whereas on others it is just blank. And yes, agree....such idiosyncrasy is what makes Rolex....Rolex

I have no knowlage in this topic, but I find it very facinating! A topic I will have to learn more about... Best, my friend Blomman

and btw I'm glad that from time to time we even agree on something !! LLOOLLLLLLLLLLL

.....your help on the dials was invaluable....many thanks. Likewise, I do like your Stern-dial theory for the glossiness theme. Many thanks to you for your help.... .....OK.....and every now and then, it's OK to agree!

.. that it has it All, as mentioned by Nico, I just could not stop.. On a very humble personal note, I guess - it is a Must Read for every Rolex Vintage lover, newbie & expert alike; I am totally with Blomman, saying, I don't know enough or have experienc... 

infos about these oldest subbies : 1) max. depth granted for 6200-6204-6205 was just 180 mt. and not 200 ; this would also well explain why the waterproof capability was not mentioned on dials ; 2) the move from 6204 to 6200 ( from small to big crown ) wa... 

......why do you think Rolex developed a watch with a much bigger case? Do you think it could be because there was a need/demand for a watch that had a bigger crown (for use with gloves) and to accomodate the bigger crown, a bigger case was needed? What c... 

usually I believe in the " egg first " theory : in this case a much bigger crown commands in my opinion a bigger case ; this means : --an higher handling capability within a tough use ( gloves , combat diving suit .. not very thin at that time too .... ) ... 

Then it supports the military order theory. Based on serial numbers, then, number issued would be very low.

UK ( and USA ). the military " concept " ( origin ) in my opinion is enough proved. nevertheless I know for sure that some were sold also to Rolex AD or through national Rolex branches.

Here is, to complete the theme, an evaluation report from the US NAVY ( 1959 ) credit source: Billy Schorr ( MWR ) about the 6538: Best, Nicolas ...  

I intend to update/amend and generally enhance the 6200 review as time passes and as more information is put together. Take, for example, this discussion about whether it was the military need for a bigger crown that drove the need for a thicker case on t... 

they came together ( in Rolex watches ) .... but don't forget that almost at the same time the first model 6154 ( "new " generation of Panerai military watches ) with case numbers from 1953 certainly arrived with the same " big crown " you have in 6200 ..... 

about the " equivalence " ( = simmetry ) concept coming in the next days .. stay tuned !! LLOOLLL

to re-read and learn and then read and learn some more Thank you Joe Best Damjan

Thanks for sharing all this valuable information about all the different versions. Truly an invaluable resource for the collector considering such a vintage piece.

how often stated ( " with Rolex everything is possible " ) but on the contrary we can find a " schema " also in these early submariners : this is the " simmetry" concept I was meaning in a previous post .... in these tables from old R20 we can find some i...  

in 3646 I have stated the 7 mm. crown as the default ( as widely accepted ) : some watches have later replacement crowns ( such as the " super oyster " or even the 800 ) .

Baron, I much appreciated the dial variations part of your post. Thank you. The many dials still confuse me to be honest. As to what Rolex sub came first, I personally believe it was the 6204. Most scholars and historians agree that this is the model. Lea... 

Thanks for the comments. Glad you liked the post. I also think the 6204 was the first Submariner released by Rolex. I just don think it was the first Submariner designed by Rolex. Subtle difference, I know, but logical I think. The k Marcello for he dial ... 

What dial can be used on a 6200? I have a 6200 with a bad refinished dial on it and it needs to be replaced. Or refinished again professionally I guess is another option. But I was thinking maybe I would grab a dial from another submariner that fit It. Wh... 

The 6200 is a 38mm case.....you should think carefully about what you put inside