Rolex

Ok, let' say Rolex Submariner 5512 versus 5508, all gilt dials, for the fun.

While the market seems to favour ( I don't know why, by the way ) the 5512, the 5508 has a lot of assets. In both cases, the dials are almost the same, the case of the 5508 is smallern but the absence of crownguards gives it a purer look.

5512 from 1961, exclamation dot:

5508, from circa 1958, exclamation dot, too, for the fun of the comparison:

 

What's your favourite and why?

Best,

Nicolas

The 5512 looks a little bit "fatter" with the crown guards and the wider space around the bezel outside of the insert, and for some reason, to me, it looks less tough and utilitarian for what the watches were built during the era to do.

2 good extra millimeters...

+ Add the corwnguards, and it is a different beast.

Best, my friend.

Nicolas

Unless you have them in your hand to compare it is apples and oranges.

Both are very nice but it is the weight on the wrist that the user will like one or the other.  As you noted the market votes more on the heavier side with a larger case and a more substantial feel.  It is like comparing a small crown against a big crown 6538 vs 6536/1 or 5508.

Cross class comparison are very tough to do because it is a personal thing.  Just from the photos the focus is on the dial and the question is do you like one patina against the second light vs dark.

And to be honest looking through your lens (eyes) you make us all dream about every watch you show us.

Bill

... non guards wins a little edge due to its more "retro" look and feeling on the wrist given by the lack of guards and non rim bezel. As with any of this kind of dilemma, the correct answer is "one of each"!! Un abrazo mi amigo, y sensacionales tus fotos como siempre! Abel.

Very nice 5508.

Bill

... dot in my watch is marked III-58 inside its back.

Thanks for commenting! Cordial regards, Abel.

Your 5512 has an awesome dial which may well convert me! 

Nicolas

... I´m glad you like the Subs shown, and it is a pleasure to share them here.

Regrettably I commited a mistake showing my crown guards without informing that it is not a 5512 but a an early 5513 underline dial, marked III-64 inside case back.
It was originally sold here in Buenos Aires in March 1965 as per the original invoice I also have.

Thank you agaiin
Un abrazo mi amigo!
Abel.

I never found a nice Rolex from 1964. Yours is a remarkable exception!

Un abrazo, Amigo.

Nicolas

... this ine will travel with me on my next trip to Paris so you can view it in person!

Un abrazo! Abel.

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We forgot to add that the super dome is another difference.

On another note, comparing the Big Crown with the Small Crown no crownguards is also a terrific game.

The 6538 has the same case dimensions than the 5508, AFAIK. It is just thicker. And it has the super dome plexy. A totally diffferent character.

I would personally favour the 5508 versus the 5512 / 13.

Now, between the 6538 / 5510 / 7922 / 7924 versus the 5508 / 6204 / 6205 / 6536... I would go for the big crown.

Tough game!

Best, Bill.

Nicolas

They are paying by the Kilo which is at least double + the price per kilo in the 5512 vegetable shelves.

Now if you bring the 5513 in the kilo price that is another question.

But at the end of the the price is a function of demand and quality no way to get around the quality question.

But a buyer should buy what he likes as this is not about investing.

Bill

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I've always love the earlier crown guard references, but the picture of the 5508 you posted is making me fall in love.

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I have a clear answer (for me).

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.......as you know....has quite a bit of brute power about it.........

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thus appearing smaller but the 5512 due to bezel with more grip showing more metal plus crown guards, may appear more balanced. Nevertheless both are equally sexy. Moreover how rare to find both with tiny exclamation mark.. Rare indeed. Lovely pieces!

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A perfect Sub 5512 pcg chapter ring has everything you could want and more. It is a wonderful watch and if it is an "eagle beak" case from the first batch together with red triangle bezel, then this would be my favorite.

But then, a 5508 has such a wonderfully slender case, charming the wrist like no other. It is definitely more "Art Nouveau". Very lovely - but always a bit overshadowed.

Then the big crowns! Not as aesthetic as the 5512 pcg, maybe! But so much rarity, mystic and concentrated power in one compact case.

So my ranking would be 6538 first place, then 5512 and last but not least 5508. But each on its own would be enough Submariner for me! The magic triangle!

But you raised an important point: The condition, which is, indeed, one of the most important factors!

Another big point, the big crown which is the KING, in my opinion, too.

Best,

Nicolas

Its really difficult to answer. I think Bill said it correctly: They are both different animals. Joe also had a very good point. The 5512 represents more what Rolex sports watches should be. I think it really depends for what. I have both (well no 5508 but a few 6536-1) and I only wear my small crowns with suits. I would never wear a small crown with a shirt or a polo shirt. But thats me. I wear my 5512 often with shirt, polo shirts or t-shirts at home.