Congrats Nicolas - really a cool watch with.....

Dec 20, 2009,06:12 AM
 

.....amazing pictures.

Enjoy your christmas beauty !!

Matthias

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Introducing my latest catch, a long awaited one: The Submariner 5508.

 
 By: amanico : December 20th, 2009-02:56
Here it is, my friends. It's been a long time I fell under the charm on a Sub without crownguards, and each time I saw one, and tested it, there was something wrong, like a redone dial or a service dial ( on all the 6538 I saw, and on some of the 5508 whi...  

I am speechless

 
 By: hans_jorgen_1968 : December 20th, 2009-03:12
Hi Nocolas Finally.....! What a nice and almost perfect Christmas gift to yourself. That is true a rare catch you have made here. And many thanks for taking us to the journey and presenting these beautiful pictures. I especially like the calibre pictures ... 

I was even doubting to get one, Hans

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-05:31
But this one fell at the right moment, indeed. You know this feeling, when you know that it is the good one for you. That's exactly what happened for my 1655, now for this gorgeous 5508. I will calm down a bit, and then go back to the hunt on another nice... 

The hunt is on

 
 By: hans_jorgen_1968 : December 21st, 2009-06:48
Hi my French Friend ;-) Someone on this forum uses the phrase "Good Hunting". Lets call him Bill. I believe that is true. The hunt is also a big and interesting part, and makes the catch, when and if it comes even better. ...now back to the search of some... 

Still have 3 Vintage Rolex to lock

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-06:52
The 1016, the 1675 or 6542, and the 16 550 Explo II Transitionnal... The 6542 is damn hard to find in good condition and authentic, and a very nice, sublime 1675 and 1016 are also not that easy to catch. But it is part of the pleasure, and an important pa... 

Thats "explore" the hunt..

 
 By: hans_jorgen_1968 : December 21st, 2009-07:11
... But at the end of the day (or when we retire) will we have a damn nice collection (with some luck...). But must be in good condition and original. Othwerwise no interest. BR Hans This message has been edited by hans_jorgen_1968 on 2009-12-21 07:12:08

Wow!!! what a catch Nicolas

 
 By: gazoz : December 20th, 2009-03:14
and it is in pristine condition it looks amazing congrats to you and if you get bored or tired of it please keep me in mind

DING..DIND..DANG..

 
 By: kbc.2222 : December 20th, 2009-03:50
A early BIG Christmas present to u self :o) Really great catch my friend...Big Congrats... Best Chung

Well, I own it since the beginning of December, Chung

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-05:38
But it is a real nice and exciting catch, indeed. I'm mesmerized by this gilt, deep black laquered dial, and by these awesome indexes. Seems like I'm in honeymoon with it. Best, my friend, and thanks for the nice words! Nicolas This message has been edite... 

you never ceases to amaze...

 
 By: Ryan5446 : December 20th, 2009-03:55
What a great watch and what a good find. Your patience has been rewarded. Something that becomes more and more important in vintage collecting these days. Thanks for the great write up and congratulations on a great find my friend. Cheers steven

Patience is the golden rule, luck is the holy providence, Steven. :)

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-05:41
Now, I have to find a correct and very nice bezel, and it will be perfect! Till the next target... Best, Steven. Nicolas

Again congrats Nicolas!

 
 By: bimbeano : December 20th, 2009-04:02
A superb catch, and next time you first put a post before you show it to some of us in the flesh .... it's better to have a heart-attack at home than in Paris ! Can you do a shot on a snowy Parisien roof for me please ? Just make sure it doesn't slide dow... 

GOAL!!!! GOAL!!!! GOAL!!!!!!!

 
 By: joeyza : December 20th, 2009-05:56
Simple breathtaking. There really aren't words that can do it justice. Congrats and great pics too!

Agreed, Joe. Difficult to describe it with words.

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-05:44
Seeing it in the flesh is an even greater experience! Best, my friend. Nicolas

Congrats Nicolas - really a cool watch with.....

 
 By: kaiserfranz : December 20th, 2009-06:12
.....amazing pictures. Enjoy your christmas beauty !! Matthias

Thanks a lot, Matthias. Much appreciated. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-05:50
No message body

It is always impressive to see how elegantly and efficiently those "tools"

 
 By: luc00 : December 20th, 2009-07:05
were designed. Congratulations, Nicolas! The world is getting too small for you! Cheers Luc

Too small, Luc?

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-05:53
Actually, and hopefully, the World is still too big for me. There are so many great watches I miss, yet. I'm shivering in front of such a 50 years timeless piece! Best, my friend. Nicolas

not too small for you, Nicolas. too small for you and me on the same planet...

 
 By: luc00 : December 23rd, 2009-00:41
if you keep on possessing all the treasures of this world we will have to fight for world domination...

Well, I let you the 6538 ( well , maybe not this one ... :) )

 
 By: amanico : December 23rd, 2009-00:44
As well as the Dayto PN, the JC KIlly, the 5517, the DRSD, All the Comex etc... Please let me some nice Explo and Vintage GMTs, and I will be happy with them! Best, my friend. Nicolas

Can you feel the heat ?

 
 By: DrStrong : December 23rd, 2009-02:24
;-)...  

I think.....

 
 By: MiniCooper : December 23rd, 2009-10:27
that all men feel the heat in this scene..... Cheers

Really big congrats, Nicolas!

 
 By: E.J. : December 20th, 2009-14:19
I must admit that this 5508 is the most beautiful one that I´ve never see. Superb, a Beauty. I love the watch itself, but the dial is a Hit... the colour of the indexes is just amazing, really impressive. I´m very happy because you hunted an Icon Diver wa... 

The Diving watch is almost an endless thema, Emilio

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-05:57
But I will try to find two or 3 more watches, and then to end it. You are on to ad another Diving Legend in your collection, my friend??? Tell us all! See you soon, Hermano! Nicolas

Congratulations....

 
 By: MiniCooper : December 20th, 2009-14:32
my friend.... you got it after all.... well done....you did well Enjoy it.... Cheers

You lived it in direct, PP

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-05:58
I had to change my plans to get it, and I don't regret it! Thanks for your nice words, PP. Best, Nicolas

What a nice example !

 
 By: DrStrong : December 21st, 2009-01:18
it was worth the long wait. Big congrats and wear it in good helth Mr Bond ;-) Cheers Jeff

I just hope I won't catch the " no crownguards bug ", Jeff

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-06:01
Or it will be the " end of the beans " as we say in France! Thanks for the nice comments, my good friend. Best, Nicolas

"The ends of the beans"....

 
 By: DrStrong : December 21st, 2009-06:22
you are killing me mate ;-)

ROFLMAO! And what Beans they are! :) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-06:27
No message body

Oh Yes!!!!

 
 By: fernando : December 21st, 2009-01:32
You hit the jackpot again Nicolas! Big congrats to a deserved owner. fernando

You're too kind with me, Fernando. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-06:02
No message body

Very very nice catch!!!

 
 By: eparisini : December 21st, 2009-06:12
Dear Nic very nice catch is yours!!! Nice dial, bezel, small crown... The 5510 Big Crown is my holy Grail

Aaah, these Big Crowns!

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-06:20
5510, 6538...These Bad Boys are sooo tempting! Still, I'm very happy with this one, and who knows, maybe one day, Luck will be on my side for a Big Crown??? Best, and thanks for your nice comments. Nicolas

So now it is official

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : December 21st, 2009-13:01
you are known as Fondaneche Nicolas Fondaneche :0) I'll call your indexes PISTACIA indexes Best Damian

And you missed something, Damian

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-13:17
My face when I first saw the watch... As if I saw an apparition... One of my hottest watch of this year, for sure. Best, my friend. Nicolas

I have not seen a Rolex like that before.

 
 By: kevincosta85 : December 21st, 2009-15:56
Wear it in good health.

Thanks for your nice words, Kevin.

 
 By: amanico : December 21st, 2009-22:26
Don't go too close to these watches, Kevin, as they are very dangerous! Best, Nicolas

Congratulations Nicolas

 
 By: Dje : December 22nd, 2009-13:14
Hi, You never cease to amaze me with your capacity to find incredible vintage pieces. This one is truly superb! I have to see it someday. Cheers Dje

You're welcome, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : December 22nd, 2009-13:25
I was lucky, for this one, as it came in a partial trade... Will be my pleasure to show you this one in the flesh, Jerome. Best! Nicolas

a stunning find. congrats. m [nt]

 
 By: michaelmcc : December 22nd, 2009-13:59
No message body

Great!!!!!!

 
 By: Le Chiffre : December 22nd, 2009-22:38
What a marvelous catch!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Is like the watch just jump all these years to now, is like new!! Wear it in the best of success and health. Monster...  

Yep, the indexes have the same patina, when you look at the pic you posted.

 
 By: amanico : December 22nd, 2009-22:51
That's what fascinated me when I was this 5508 wich became mine. I now just have to find the correct bezel... Thanks for your nice words, Monster! Best, Nicolas

Big congrats!!! Enjoy your beast of joy!!!

 
 By: bullibeer : December 23rd, 2009-00:30
Love the looks of the 5508!!!! Best, Bernhard

Now if only I could afford its big 6538 sister... :)

 
 By: amanico : December 23rd, 2009-00:50
Eternal greediness... Best, and thanks for your kind words! Nicolas

You are a Lucky hunter

 
 By: Quan : December 23rd, 2009-06:24
my friend Best

Well, Quan, this reminds me this small contest ...

 
 By: amanico : December 23rd, 2009-06:54
As we speak about ...Luck. Best, Nicolas...  

Please...

 
 By: DrStrong : December 23rd, 2009-13:01
don't use my vacations pictures without my permission LOL

LOL, Jeff...It was YOU! I knew I know the guy in the picture...

 
 By: amanico : December 23rd, 2009-13:04
Have a great Xmas, my L.B friend. Best, Nicolas

Excuse me....

 
 By: MiniCooper : December 23rd, 2009-13:44
i thought that this was my photo!! lol Ho...ho...ho

Nicely put, Walter..It really " smells " Time!

 
 By: amanico : December 23rd, 2009-10:05
That was my first feeling when I saw it... Thanks for the nice comment! Best, Nicolas

Big congrats

 
 By: Democritus : December 25th, 2009-17:58
Big Congrats to you Nicolas, That's one top condition vintage you got there. Thanks for sharing. I am in my hunt for a nice 5512/3 too.

Hey, Democritus!

 
 By: amanico : December 30th, 2009-02:51
I've seen several sublime 5512, this is indeed a Classic, my friend. And the big point is that they still are affordable. Good luck on your hunt! Best, Nicolas