Rolex Submariner 5508

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Another classic dive watch in this week's drop. Namely, the Rolex Submariner reference 5508.    
The 5508 marks an important point in the history of the Rolex Submariner. Namely, it was the first Submariner with key design elements of the modern Submariners while simultaneously featuring an important characteristic of the first Submariners. The dial looked to a great extent as the dial of the modern Submariners. Furthermore, for the very first time, the bezel got minute markers at the first quarter. What is more, it was the first Submariner carrying a 55XX reference, which is a model line that lasted into the '90s. However, a very important characteristic, is the absence of crown guards, which is reminiscent of the first Submariners. Furthermore, the 5508 measures just 37 mm in diameter while the modern ones measure 40 mm. One could argue the 5508 is the perfect combination between of the new and old design of the Rolex Submariner.
The one we have for offer features a dial with a gilt printing and closed minute track. The dial has discoloured to chocolate brown, also referred to as tropical, which looks awesome in sunlight.  The 'Swiss' below the 6-hour position indicates that the index and hourmarkers have a radium lume. They have aged beautifully. This diver dates back to 1959 and is powered by the caliber 1030. The watch is in excellent condition, has barely been polished and comes on a period-correct, stainless steel, 7206-stamped riveted Oyster bracelet with 58 end links. The absence of crown guards and smaller case size make this watch perfect to wear with both, a casual outfit and formal wear.

Introduction

Rolex SubmarinerIn 1953, Rolex introduced one of the world’s first wrist watches geared specifically towards divers: the Submariner. Rolex had to confront a number of challenges when designing its first dive watch. The watch obviously had to withstand significant amounts of pressure and had to accurately measure time spent underwater, which the first Submariner achieved by featuring a 330ft/100m depth rating and a rotating diving bezel. It also had to be easily legible in conditions of reduced visibility yet aesthetically pleasing. Hence, the Sub’s iconic large white tritium hour markers and Mercedes hands set against a contrasting black dial.The Submariner is the most iconic and desirable luxury watch of all time and has been adopted by luminaries such as Jacques Cousteau, Che Guevara, and none other than James Bond. Our favorite Bond, Sean Connery, wore a big crown Sub in the 1962 classic ‘Dr. No’. The watch was also featured in ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘Thunderball’.

Specifications

Shipping

Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped within the Netherlands by Registered Mail through the Dutch carrier PostNL and for other countries by Fedex. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For most destinations tracking is available.