Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508 Gilt Dial Acquisition
Vintage

Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508 Gilt Dial Acquisition

By Subexplorer · Mar 20, 2013 · 34 replies
Subexplorer
WPS member · Rolex forum
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Subexplorer shares his excitement over a new acquisition: a Rolex Submariner Reference 5508, a 'Small Crown' model with a stunning gilt dial. This post delves into his journey of upgrading from a service dial 5508 to a more original example, celebrating the charm and elegance of these vintage no-crown-guard Submariners.

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Hello friends!

As I have told yesterday in my previous post presenting my newly arrived gilt 5513, that watch came with a companion, which deserved this Part Two post.

That is an elder member of the Submariner family: a reference 5508.

I enjoyed so much the recent presentation that our coleague Edmond (Le Monde Edmond) made a few days ago, sharing with us his beautiful SC Submariner.

That post brought an interesting discussion, and a great definition made by Baron and Nicolas: "SC got elegance and BC got power"! I feel no better words could describe these little sexy members of the Submariner family.

Some years ago, I got my grial when I brought home a circa 1959 reference 5508 which I had been lusting for a long time. SC are easier to find in this part of the world, as well as more affordable, and my dream of owning a no crown guards Sub was a reality.

To my regret that beautiful watch had a service dial which didnยดt bother me when I bought it, but with the pass of years, and as I was becaming more knowledgeable (and demanding) with my collection, I begun seriously thinking in replacing it with another example with an original gilt dial.

The opportunity came a few weeks ago, when I came across this timepiece, which was offered to me by same owner of the 5513.

This watch got a super nice gloss dial, gilt markings, exclamation dot at "6", and silver depth inscription. Inside case back markings tell that it was made
in III 58, that is, one year older than my previous 5508.

I love this new watch, which makes for a very elegant and cool presence on the wrist. It looks small, it looks charming, and the gilt markings definitively make a difference! I love wearing it!

I wish you{ ll like it as much as I do!
Best cordial regards, Abel.






















And to close, a photo of my previous 5508 service dial: (c. 1959):




About the Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508

The Rolex Submariner reference 5508 represents the No Date series within the Submariner model range. Produced from 1958 to 1962, this reference is distinguished by its black dial that has developed spider patina over time.

The 5508 features a 37mm stainless steel case fitted with an acrylic crystal and rotating bezel. Water resistance is rated to 200 meters. The automatic Cal. 1530 movement provides 42-48 hours of power reserve. The watch is paired with a steel bracelet.

This reference appeals to collectors focused on vintage Submariner variants from the late 1950s and early 1960s production period. The spider patina dial condition represents a specific aging characteristic that develops over decades. Within the No Date Submariner lineup, the 5508 occupies the position of a four-year production run reference with the Cal. 1530 movement.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal. 1530
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
37 mm
Dial
Black with spider patina
Water Resist.
200m
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
BI
Bill
Mar 20, 2013

You have a very nice example of the 5508. Did you keep the other one. They make a nice pair. Wear it on good health. Bill

KY
kyle L
Mar 20, 2013

You always manage to find gems. :-) Hope you are doing well!

AM
amanico
Mar 20, 2013

Another superb catch, my friend. I think Baron's one, which is also " exclamation dot ' is also from III 58. Baron? With a nice dial, the 5508 is a great reference, and I can bet that it will remain stuck on your wrist for many many days. Un abrazo, Amigo, Nicolas, admitative.

DR
DrStrong
Mar 21, 2013

a stunning watch and much better than the previous 5508, which was not really a "service" dial ;-)

LE
Le Monde Edmond
Mar 21, 2013

Congratulations Abel. We seem to have the same taste! Your watch is indeed fine a different world to your old replacement dial watch. There is something so charming about the SC subs right, and you seem to have caught the bug... Looking forward to more posts from you and wondering that the third catch will be....? Best Edmond

EP
Epilogue
Mar 21, 2013

You know you're a Purist when you need to swap a piece "just" because the dial is a replacement ;)

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