The Rolex Submariner Reference 5508 is an icon and a legend. The 5508 Submariner is the purest representation of the Diver‘s tool watch period. Nicknamed by the watch collector aficionado community the “Small Crown” the reference 5508 and its subsequent model, the Rolex 6536, are easily distinguishable from Other “no crown-guard” Submariner references due to 6mm screw-down crown which is much smaller than those outfitted to following models, including the “James Bond” versions made famous by Sean Connery who played James Bond in the 1960s.
This specific example from 1958 is found in downright stunning and very much original condition. The “long 5” red triangle insert is extremely Rare and in remarkable condition as is the case of this specific Rolex 5508 Submariner as it retains the original case chamfers and finishing remaining sharp free from polishing or excessive wear. Additionally, the Gilt chapter ring dial and Gilt hands remain untouched showing some age but remain in extraordinary condition and without much degradation. The Rolex small crown submariners including the ref. 5508 are one of the most captivating value propositions currently in vintage Rolex collecting and are becoming increasingly harder to find due to low original production numbers and increasingly high desirability within the vintage Rolex collector community. Accessibility to prime examples is diminishing and pricing is increasing on the small crowns!
| Stock # | RLXSM5508RT-2 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Submariner “Small Crown” | |
| Model | 5508 | |
| Serial | 36XXXX | |
| Size | Men’s | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Glossy Gilt | |
| Millimeters | 38mm | |
| Strap | 2pc Leather Strap |
CASE & Bracelet
The excellent no crown guard case remains sharp and shows strong and even lugs. The watch retains its original brass bezel and the Rare, original red triangle insert remains in wonderful condition showing even patina and wear from age and use. The Rolex signed underline twin-lock crown is original and era correct. The caseback displays the original “Stainless Steel” caseback engraving and the inside case back is stamped II.1958. The original crystal exhibits some crazing throughout which is common for crystals from this era which we chose to leave in place as it is original to the watch. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The gilt chapter ring dial remains in stunning overall condition. The dial retains its glossy finish and exhibits some light spidering on the bottom right of the dial. The original radium lume plots are in excellent condition remaining full and round in texture, under U.V light inspection there is only minor degradation on some of the lume plots. The original radium gilt hands with white sweep-seconds hand match the dial lume coloration nicely and show no lume degradation when inspected under U.V. Light and under magnification. When inspected with a Geiger counter the watch responds correctly and shows the correct Geiger reading.
Accessories
None. The watch is keeping time accurately but the extended service history is unknown.
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