Rolex
1962 Rolex Submariner "Small Crown" (Ref. 5508) Gilt Chapter Ring "Exclamation" Dial
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 the "Big Crown" 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.
SPECS
| Stock # | RLXSM550862 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Submariner "Small Crown" | |
| Model | 5508 | |
| Serial | 76XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Glossy Gilt Chapter Ring "Exclamation" | |
| Millimeters | 38 | |
| Strap | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The classic no-crown-guard case is in excellent condition with very full and symmetrical lugs that retain subtle chamfers. The case has been previously lightly polished and shows honest signs of gentle use. The case retains its original brass bezel along with an era-correct "long 5, fat font" Mk II bezel insert, the insert retains a tritium pearl and features a slight crack in the triangle, but otherwise remains in excellent condition with gentle signs of use present. The inside of the case back is stamped “5508 II.62”. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The beautiful glossy gilt chapter ring dial features an exclamation point 6 o’clock marker and is in very clean overall condition showing only nominal elements of age, however, a small spot between the 4 and 5 o’clock marker is the most notable. The tritium lume plots have aged to a creamy ivory patina, under UV light inspection all lume plots remain intact, though some of the lume plots show minor degradation as does the tritium exclamation point. The original tritium gilt hands match the dial perfectly and display no degradation when inspected under UV light.
ACCESSORIES
The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.