1957 Rolex Submariner Ref. 6536-1 ‘Small Crown’ with Tritium service dial

The Rolex Submariner reference 6536/1 was introduced in the mid-1950s as part of the second generation of Rolex’s pioneering dive watches. Produced alongside the 6536 and the now-iconic 6538, the 6536/1 carved its own identity with a slimmer profile and refined proportions. It marked a shift in Rolex’s approach—balancing the clean, understated aesthetics of early no-crown-guard designs with the increasing technical seriousness of a professional tool watch.

 

Its 37mm stainless steel case housed Rolex’s first fully in-house bi-directional automatic movement, the caliber 1030, often chronometer-rated. With its 6mm screw-down crown and 100m depth rating, it was slightly more modest than the big-crown 6538, but no less capable. Early examples featured gilt gloss dials with radium lume, some with rare red depth ratings or unusual minute track configurations. Many came fitted with red triangle inserts and thin coin-edge bezels that remain quintessential markers of early Submariner design.

 

As with many tool watches from this golden era, most surviving examples have undergone Rolex service over the decades. Later tritium dials, aluminum bezel inserts, and updated hands tell the story of a watch continuously maintained to be worn. Far from diminishing its appeal, these honest updates underscore the 6536/1’s long life and Rolex’s own evolving standards of safety and precision.

 

Quietly significant and deeply wearable, the 6536/1 stands today as an essential chapter in the Submariner’s ascent—from utilitarian beginnings to timeless icon.

The watch offered for sale here is a Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 6542 with early gilt tritium service dial.

 

The early gilt tritium service dial remains in outstanding condition, with very little wear if any to the lacquer, which remains mirror glossy, and puffy lume plots which are preserved intact and very clean, featuring a stunning yellow patina. The original gilt hands are still there.

 

The case on this particular example speaks volumes on its own. It remains original, and most likely unpolished, with thick lugs, sharply defined bevels, and no signs of refinishing—only the honest wear of a watch that has been worn with intention, not neglect. The case geometry is crisp and intact, a rarity among 6542s, and a testament to just how well this piece has been preserved across seven decades. The case back is correctly engraved on the inner face. The red-back ‘Pepsi’ is a later service, contemporary to the dial, that remains beautiful with a lovely fade to the blue portion.

 

The acrylic crystal has some light scratches that could be easily buffed away.

 

It is suited on an unworn handmade leather strap with stainless steel buckle and quick-release spring bars.

 

It is running well and keeps time within vintage specs. Service history is unknown although watchmaker’s markings are present on the inner case back.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request.