ROLEX SUBMARINER SMALL CROWN REF. 6205

Brand

Model

Reference

Year

Case number

Case

Case diameter

Bracelet

Bezel

Dial

Movement

Functions

Accessories

Condition

Description

Rolex

Submariner “Small Crown” brevet + crown

6205

1955

N/A

Stainless steel Oyster case with screw-down, slightly domed caseback; screw-down “small crown” (approx. 6 mm) featuring Rolex crown with “+” symbol; waterproof construction

37 mm

Stainless steel riveted Oyster bracelet with folding clasp signed Rolex

Unidirectional rotating bezel with black insert and diving scale

Black gilt gloss original dial, applied radium luminous indexes with lighter marker at 6 o’clock, Mercedes hands, signed Rolex

Automatic mechanical movement, Rolex calibre A260

Hours, minutes, seconds

None

Very good; original dial with even patina, well-preserved case with normal signs of wear, period-correct bracelet

An iconic Rolex Submariner reference 6205, produced in 1955 and part of the earliest generation of Submariner models, known as the “Small Crown.”

The reference 6205 replaced the earlier reference 6204 after only one year, introducing subtle but important updates such as a more domed caseback and an enlarged winding crown, increasing from approximately 5.3 mm to 6 mm. Notably, the crown often features the Rolex coronet marked with a “+” symbol, a detail appreciated by collectors.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this example is its dial, belonging to the early radium era. The presence of radium lume is indicated by the characteristic lighter marker at 6 o’clock — a distinctive feature later seen in subsequent references such as the Submariner 6536.

All other features remain largely consistent with the 6204, including water resistance rated to 100 meters / 330 feet, a significant benchmark for early professional diving watches by Rolex.

The black gilt gloss dial with luminous markers and Mercedes hands perfectly embodies the aesthetic of 1950s tool watches.

A historically significant and highly collectible timepiece, representing one of the most desirable early vintage Submariners ever produced by Rolex.