Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1958
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Submariner reference 5508 is a vintage wristwatch from the company's early professional series. Manufactured around 1958, the watch is characterized by its 37mm Oyster case, which lacks crown guards, a design feature that distinguishes it from later iterations of the Submariner line.
It is equipped with a glossy black gilt dial featuring patinated luminous markers and matching hands. The watch is presented on a vintage 'rivet' Oyster bracelet with a 'big logo' clasp. According to the auction description, the case has undergone light polishing in the past while maintaining its original proportions and chamfered lugs. The rotating bezel features a 'fat font' insert that shows signs of color fading and wear.
This example serves as a period-specific production from the years 1958-1962, representing a design era prior to the introduction of crown guards on subsequent Submariner models.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1958
- Type
- Dive watch
- Crown
- Small crown, no guards
- Maker
- Rolex
- Bracelet
- Rivet Oyster with big logo clasp
- Case Size
- 37mm
- Reference
- 5508
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The timepiece is fitted with a glossy black 'gilt' dial. The dial retains its original black finish, showing uniform signs of age throughout. The hour markers are comprised of patinated luminous plots that match the coloration of the handset. The dial includes text indicating the depth rating and model identity, with the 'Submariner' text positioned below the depth rating. The overall condition of the dial is reported as strong given the age of the timepiece.
- Visible features
- • Symmetrical lugs with visible chamfers • Glossy black gilt dial with aged luminous plots • Rotating bezel with faded 'fat font' insert • Rivet-style Oyster bracelet with 'big logo' clasp
- Case and External Design
- The watch features a 37mm stainless steel Oyster case that lacks protective crown guards, a hallmark of the reference 5508. The auction description reports that the case has been previously polished but retains its original proportions, including the chamfers on the lugs. The rotating bezel assembly contains a 'fat font' insert, which displays an attractive fade and wear consistent with the watch's age. The watch is paired with a vintage rivet Oyster bracelet featuring the 'big logo' clasp, which is described as a rare component in the context of vintage Rolex watches.
- Condition and Provenance
- The auction description reports the watch to be in strong overall condition, noting that it originates from the approximate production period of 1958 to 1962. The bracelet shows signs of light polishing and wear, which the vendor notes is consistent with the condition of the watch head. No further provenance or service history documentation is provided in the source.
Identification
- Reference
- 5508
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Specific production date within 1958-1962 remains an estimate
- Research required: Previous history of case polishing is noted without specific records