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Lot Essay
Consigned by the family of the original owner, the present timepiece is offered in very attractive and well preserved overall condition. Originally created to defy the pressure and hazards of the oceanic depth, it was made with a beautiful stainless steel case still today displaying strong proportions and sharp edges. The prized property of a former member of the Royal Navy, the timepiece has been well looked after throughout the years and developed a unique appeal through its charismatic "tropical" dial.
A very attractive watch, reference 5508 was produced from approximately 1957 to 1961 and was the last Submariner reference to be produced without crown guards with a waterproofness guaranteed to 100 meters. An upgrade from the reference 6536/1, the timepiece featured a small crown and a newly designed bezel with divisions for the first fifteen minutes, larger silver triangle and luminous bubble. Indicating a depth rating in silver of 100m to 330ft, which is contrasting with the gilt printing on the rest of the dial, the present timepiece amazes through the color of its dial, which has changed throughout the years to the present dark brown color.
A similar example is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, by John Goldberger, page 186, Collecting Rolex Wristwatches, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, page 235 and Collezionare Orologi Da Polso Rolex Submariner by Guido Mondani and Lele Ravagnani, page 34, 35 and 106.
A very attractive watch, reference 5508 was produced from approximately 1957 to 1961 and was the last Submariner reference to be produced without crown guards with a waterproofness guaranteed to 100 meters. An upgrade from the reference 6536/1, the timepiece featured a small crown and a newly designed bezel with divisions for the first fifteen minutes, larger silver triangle and luminous bubble. Indicating a depth rating in silver of 100m to 330ft, which is contrasting with the gilt printing on the rest of the dial, the present timepiece amazes through the color of its dial, which has changed throughout the years to the present dark brown color.
A similar example is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, by John Goldberger, page 186, Collecting Rolex Wristwatches, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, page 235 and Collezionare Orologi Da Polso Rolex Submariner by Guido Mondani and Lele Ravagnani, page 34, 35 and 106.