There are many different strategies to collect Rolex.
Some collect by line so only GMT Master, Submariner or Daytona. Others collect only certain models within a particular line. For example I know one collector who only collects early non crown guard GMT Master and nothing else.
Another collector I follow only collects the 5512 Submariner and differentiates between an underline dial, exclaimation point, matte or glossy dial, two line versus four line dial. Rolex collectors are a particular bunch- often obsessed by details.
The strategy I am presenting here takes this ‘collecting strategy’ in another direction.
Not only are the two watches the exact line (Submariner), they are also the exact same model (6536-1). What is the point of owning two of the exact same model of watches? Especially if the features on the dial are exactly the same (meaning there is not underline on one dial or an exclaimation point)? If your pursuing a ‘case nr strategy’ there is plenty of logic. Let me explain.
In the early days of Rolex sports watches Rolex did not make anywhere near the number of watches they do today. In fact up until 1957- Rolex total production since it was founded (in 1905) was not more than 1m (this is a educated guess form a leading authority on Rolex).
In 1957 Rolex produced around 100′ooo watches (again this is a guess – production figures are unknown) so the chances that you can find watches that are in pretty close serial Nr range is not entirely unrealistic. I had a clear strategy after I bought the 6536-1 on the right with case Number 306 xxx. I wanted to find another model within 100 case numbers. Ofcourse I would only buy a watch in excellent condition. When I found one being auctioned in France I jumped at the chance to buy it.
Having watches so close to each other also helps in terms of unanswered questions or mysteries about Rolex.
For example if look above, why did Rolex make some dials with radiation warning at the six o’clock lume (this was common and also found on the 5510) on the right but omitted it out on the left watch (both dials are original and have, with high certainty, never been altered or re-lumed).
Another interesting observation is how the dials have aged.
The right watch still has radium dust sprinkled on it and is more ‘matte’ in nature while the left watch is more glossy and mirror like. Are the differences in dials due to natural aging or could it be that Rolex did in fact in the same year produce some dials that were less glossy? Unfortunately only the Rolex ‘Gods’ can answer that question.
There are many different strategies when it comes to collecting Rolex. So many angles you can approach it from. One strategy is presented here. Is it rational to collect by case numbers? Probably not. But then again collecting vintage Rolex is not supposed to be rational.
Its probably highly irrational and therein lies exactly the fun and challenge.
