Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...

Hong Kong, Jun 08, 2008

LOT 82

Ref. 5508 Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual, 100m = 330ft, Submariner", case No. 400414, Ref. 5508. Made in 1958. Fine, center seconds, self-winding, water resistant, stainless steel wristwatch.

HKD 130,000 - 160,000

USD 17,000 - 21,000 / EUR 10,000 - 13,000

Sold: HKD 144,000

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 track. Luminous stainless steel skeleton hands. M. Cal. 1530, rhodium-plated, 26 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating blued steel Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 38 mm. Thickness 13.5 mm


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good

Case: 3

Good

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

This model is one of the first examples of the Ref. 5508 that replaced the References 6536 and 6536/1.
These 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.