Submariner Ref.5508 Small Crown

ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, SUBMARINER, REF. 5508 « JAMES BOND », SMALL CROWN

ICONEEK price: SOLD

Iconeek is proud to introduce here a very nice, rare and attractive early Submariner Rolex. Under Ref. 5508, the model is also called « James Bond » by collectors, because of its appearance on a James Bond movie on the wrist of Sir Sean  Connery. The model does not come with crown guard and is featuring pierced lugs.

Launched in 1953, with the Ref. 6204, followed by other notables like the 6205, 6536/6538, 6536 and 6536/1, the Submariner line is the single most important diver’s model in the brand’s history. In 1957, Rolex revealed the reference 5508, the last model featuring the “100m=330ft” depth and no crown guard configuration, reason why  ref. 5508 is also called  “small crown”  by collectors. The Ref. 5508 was the last Submariner to carry the “100m=330ft” depth rating, as subsequent models carry the improved depth rating. Rolex’s reference 5508 “small crown” Submariner wristwatch came from a long line of non-crown guard dive watches, which are some of the most sought-after and collectible timepieces today. Made circa 1962, the present example is a well-preserved wristwatch, fitted with a later original matte black dial.

Under the plexiglass crystal, we find a later original 1966 service dial, matte black with painted luminous round, rectangular and triangular indexes, an outer minute/second railway division, signed « swiss t 25 » at the bottom, later original luminous hands, sweep center second. The model has  a three-body construction: a tonneau-shaped water-resistant Oyster stainless  steel case  with brushed downturned large and pierced lugs, a  bi-directionnal rotating bezel with black aluminum insert bearing the decompression time, a screwed case  back. The inside back is engraved « 5508 » as well as « II.62 ». Serial number is engraved between the lugs at 6, as well as Reference number 5508 between the lugs at 12. Inside ticks a caliber Rolex 1520, rhodium plated, automatic, with self-compensating flat blued steel balance spring, shock-absorbers, blued steel screws, monometallic two arms balance with Gyromax type adjustments.

The present watch comes with a stainless steel riveted Oyster bracelet, Ref. 7206, with integrated deployant clasp engraved 3-68 and endlinks no. 58. The approx. overall length is 190 mm. Dial, case and movement are signed

Great and wonderful addition to any collection, the Submariner is an iconic model as well as a perfect tool watch.

Condition: 8.5/10, very good overall condition, great looking,  later original hands  & dial, later original bezel insert and pearl, just serviced at Rolex manufactory.