1959 Rolex Submariner Gilt Dial Ref. 5508

Model:
Year of issue: 1959
Reference number: 5508
Condition: mint
Status: available
Dealer country: Dubai
Dealer name: Tariq Malik
Price in US $ 51,750

Description

Five Five Zero Eight The 5508 Submariner had a production run from 1958 to 1962 and it was produced only in stainless steel in the case size  37mm so much smaller than later Submariners. A big difference also to later submariners is that the 5508 did not have any crown guards and it came on a large crown which is called the Big Crown or the small crown which measures six milimeters. Here we have an excellent example of a vintage 5508 Submariner from 1959. As it can be seen on the pictures this watch still after 64 years remains unpolished. The case is sharp and well defined, shows beautiful original chamfers with crisp factory finish. The lugs are straight and even with clear readable numbers in between. The bezel is original and holds a later fat font insert that has faded to a beautiful gun metal grey colour. The dial is very glossy, give dial with silver decorating and very prominent good graphics. The dial is only showing very very light wear from age and is free from any cracks swirls or matte areas like usually found on Submariners of this age. The original radium luminous is almost fully present and has developed a beautiful beige colour. The dial in some lighting shows a dark chocolate brown you and is extremely glossy. The condition on this watch is insane, it is almost impossible to find and unpolished case on the 5508 holding such a clean glossy mirror effect dial with original luminous material. Apart from the condition this watch looks very pleasing to the eye especially to seasoned collectors of Gilt Spotrsmodels of that era.

SKU 3.2.335
Brand Rolex
Model Submariner
Ref. No. 5508
Serial No. 400xxx
Year 1959
Gender Gents
Case Size 37mm
Case Excellent stainless steel that seems to be unpolished. The lugs are well defined and show beautiful factory bevels. The pin holes are crisp and unmolested. The original brass bezel is in very good condition and holding a later but beautiful grey faded insert
Bracelet / Strap Very good later Rivited Oyster bracelet showing moderate stretch from age
Dial Excellent and very glossy Gilt dial with Silver depth rating and very prominent Gilt graphics. The dial is only showing very light wear from age and is free of cracks, swirls or matte areas. The original Radium luminous is almost fully present and has developed a beautiful beige color. The dial, in some lighting, shows a dark chocolate brown hue.
Crystal Acrylic Dome
Movement Automatic
Condition Mint
Box No
Papers No

Dealer

Tariq Malik

The Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is without a doubt one of the most successful Rolex models in history. Not only because it more than aptly served its purpose as diver’s watch, although I am pretty sure only a small number of Submariners has ever seen a spat of water. Its appearance in several James Bond movies certainly helped as well. If you omit functionality and marketing, the Submariner success is mainly due to its elegance as a timeless dress watch. It’s just one of those watches you keep looking at, regardless of wanting to know the time of day. The Submariner was launched in 1953 and officially presented at the Basel Fair in 1954. Check out my RPReport about the Rolex Submariner History by following this link...