Rolex
1962 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 5508) "Small Crown" Exclamation Point
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.
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 # | RLXSM550862 |
|
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Submariner "Small Crown" | |
| Model | 5508 | |
| Serial | 76XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Glossy Gilt | |
| Millimeters | 38mm | |
| Strap | 2pc Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The no crown guard case has been lightly polished in the past, remaining in strong condition with slight chamfers still present. The case retains its original brass bezels, the bezel insert is a later service replacement with a luminova pearl and shows no signs of use. The inside of the case back is stamped “5508 II.62”. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The glossy gilt chapter ring dial features an exclamation point 6 o’clock marker and remains in very clean condition showing only light signs of age and a small mark between the 4 and 5 o’clock marker. The tritium lume plots have aged to a creamy ivory patina, under U.V. light inspection all lume plots remain intact, though some of the lume plots show light degradation as does the tritium exclamation point. The original tritium gilt hands match the dial perfectly and display no degradation when inspected under U.V. light.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown.
