Brand: Rolex
Model: Submariner No Date
Reference: 5508
Year: 1960
Serial number: 490XXX
Material: stainless steel
Bracelet: stainless steel
Diameter: 37 Millimeter
Condition: very good
box&papers: no
Description: Highlight piece. Top Condition. top configuration and top charisma. 5508 Submariner Small Crown with gilt dial.
The case is in great condition. As the pictures show, the lugs are full, the proportions are great and the sunray-cut also fits perfectly in time. In the past, if at all, the watch has been extremely gently polished and it was taken care on preserving the appearance, including the typical wide edge grind.
One of the highlights is the wonderful GILT or GLOSS dial. The condition is truly what we as collectors desire. The laquer is wonderfully intact, known among collectors as FULL GLOSS, and all of the prints on the dial is beautifully preserved. None of it has crumbled or faded.
As you can see on the macros, the dial has two minimal weaknesses in the paint, but these can only be seen from a certain angle and do not distract from the beauty of the dial and the wonderful charisma at all.
The lume material has also aged wonderfully, with a great patina and is absolutely original.
The hands are another highlight. Many 5508s can be found with service hands these days that are later than the 5513. This can be recognized, among other things, by the fact that the minute hand is shorter and does not touch the minute track as here. The original GILT hands have been preserved here and the condition is wonderful. Unfortunately, many GILT hands have become rotten in the past and therefore have been replaced. Here the original hands are still fine and have a typical, slightly lighter patina to the dial.
The original bezel, a great t16 superdomed plexiglas and a really cool LONG5 inlay with natural and wonderful brown aging are rounding off a great vintage look.
The 7206 Oyster bracelet with the correct 58 lugs for the 5508 is also a highlight. This is the rare STRETCH variant, excellent condition and slightly younger than the watch with the clasp code 4/66.
Conclusion: Another watch that makes my vintage heart beat faster. Anyone who wears this watch, will take a journey back to the 1960s.
