Revolution: The Evolution of the Role...

New York, Apr 17, 2008

LOT 161

Ref. 5508, ?James Bond? Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual, 100m = 330ft, Submariner", Ref. 5508. Made in 1962. Fine, center seconds, self-winding, water resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with black bezel and a stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by a Rolex box.

USD 7,000 - 10,000

EUR 4,700 - 6,700

Sold: USD 28,800

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, graduated bi-directional revolving black bezel for the decompression times. D. Black with luminous round, triangular and baton indexes, outer minute/seconds divisions. Luminous stainless steel skeleton hands. M. Cal. 1530, rhodium-plated, 26 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, index regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 38 mm. Thickness 13 mm


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-9-01

Good

Scratched

HANDS Original

Notes

Until this point, Submariner dials had what is called "gilt" printing; this changed around 1964. Although still not absolutely satisfied, Rolex felt it was closer to its vision of the perfect diving watch. Two final experimental shoulderless Submariners were introduced: Ref. 5508, replacing the References 6536 and 6536/1.
The new models were equiped with new 1500 series movements; Cal. 1530 and Cal.1560 were used. The Ref. 5508 was guaranteed waterproof to 100m/330ft and was offered with or without the word "Chronometer" on the dial. Production was approximately 1958 to 1965. Reference 5508 appeared about 1957-58. This is actually Reference 6536, but with the new 5508 reference number. The reference number change was made in order to give all Submariners 55XX reference numbers, starting in the late 1950s. This lasted through 1990, when the last 55XX models were produced.