Rolex
Rolex Submariner 6538
“Big Crown / James Bond”
The Rolex Submariner (reference 6538) is a stainless steel watch. It runs on the automatic caliber 1030 and is water resistant to 200 m. It was made from 1955 to 1959.
Specifications
Case
- Reference
- 6538
- Nickname
- Big Crown / James Bond
- Collection
- Submariner
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Case shape
- Round
- Crystal
- Acrylic
- Water resistance
- 200 m
Dial and bezel
- Bezel
- Aluminum
Movement
- Movement
- Automatic
- Caliber
- 1030
- Frequency
- 18,000 vph
- Jewels
- 25
Production
- Production
- 1955–1959
Dial versions
This reference was made with these dials and finishes.
6538 Big Crown Gilt
Gilt; two-liner (SUBMARINER / 200m=660ft); red triangle on bezel · “Big Crown / James Bond”
6538 Big Crown Gilt
Gilt; four-liner (Officially Certified Chronometer) · “Big Crown / James Bond”
6538 Big Crown Explorer dial
Explorer dial (3-6-9) · “Big Crown / James Bond”
6538 Big Crown Tropical
Tropical (faded) · “Big Crown / James Bond”
How it compares within the Submariner family
Side by side with other references in the same collection, from the catalog.
| Reference | Size | Material | Dial | Caliber | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6538 (This watch) | — | Stainless steel | — | 1030 | 1955–1959 |
| 124060 | 41 mm | Oystersteel | Black | 3230 | 2020– |
| 126610LN | 41 mm | Oystersteel | Black | 3235 | 2020– |
| 126610LV | 41 mm | Oystersteel | Black | 3235 | 2020– |
| 126613LB | 41 mm | Yellow Rolesor (Oystersteel/18k yellow gold) | Royal blue | 3235 | 2020– |
| 126613LN | 41 mm | Yellow Rolesor (Oystersteel/18k yellow gold) | Black | 3235 | 2020– |
| 126618LB | 41 mm | 18k yellow gold | Blue | 3235 | 2020– |
| 126618LN | 41 mm | 18k yellow gold | Black | 3235 | 2020– |
| 126619LB | 41 mm | 18k white gold | Black | 3235 | 2020–2026 |
About the Submariner family
The Submariner was introduced in 1953 and became the reference design for a dive watch: a black dial with large luminous markers, a rotating timing bezel and a screw-down crown. Vintage references such as the 5512, 5513 and the dated 1680 lead to the sapphire-crystal 16610 and the 116610LN of 2010, with its broader “Super Case” and a ceramic bezel.
In 2020 the case grew to 41 mm with ref. 124060 (no date) and ref. 126610LN (date), using calibers 3230 and 3235. Two-tone and gold models include refs. 126613LB and 126613LN in Yellow Rolesor and 126618LN and 126618LB in yellow gold. The green-bezel 126610LV is a separate variant. Dealers date a Submariner from reference, dial and bezel and check that the bezel insert is original.
Quick answers
- What movement does the Rolex Submariner 6538 use?
- It uses the automatic caliber 1030.
- How water resistant is the Rolex Submariner 6538?
- It is water resistant to 200 metres.
- Is the Rolex Submariner 6538 still in production?
- No. It was made until 1959.
- When did the Rolex Submariner 6538 come out?
- It was introduced in 1955 and made until 1959.
- What is the Rolex Submariner 6538 made of?
- The case is stainless steel.
- Which dials was the Rolex Submariner 6538 made with?
- The catalog lists 2 dials: Black, Brown.
- What is the Rolex Submariner 6538 nicknamed?
- Dealers and collectors call it the “Big Crown / James Bond”.
Catalog facts checked October 2026.