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 sm...  

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. I'd love to have e... 

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 subs... 

... 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 fo...  

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 orig... 

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.

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 th... 

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 ge... 

I've always love the earlier crown guard references, but the picture of the 5508 you posted is making me fall in love. I never come across any non crown subs so it's nice to see your picture of the 5508, thanks for posting.

I have a clear answer (for me). 5512 is a watch that is iconic because of the crown guard. If one thinks of an iconic Rolex watch, it is, I believe, the 5512 that comes to mind of many people. It is that much bigger than the 5508 that it also has a differ... 

.......as you know....has quite a bit of brute power about it......... I didn't make a distinction on 5508 because of a lack of crown guard regarding its charm. Nice try Vlad.

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!

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 wonder...  

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 bu... 

But that is just me. ;) What about a big crown? Best, Nicolas

Please enlighten me Nicolas. I have never heard this about this reference in this configuration. You mean 6205? Or another small crown? The 6536 red depth makes more sense. best Edmond

You are of course right: I meant 6536! Best, Nicolas

A red depth 6536 is indeed a nice watch. A rare bird. You are right to put it up there on our dream list. E

The first 6542 red depth have also this long neck hour hand. I was also not aware of this. But Philipp Stahl correctly pointed this out to me. E

For some reason - I am hesitant to buy a big crown. I am not sure why. It has nothing (or lets say very little) to do with price. I view the big crowns a little like the Daytona PN. Both are sought after by collectors. Both are the holy grail for many. I ... 

Scarce but less risky than a PN. At least when you know one or two things... Best, Nicolas

Indeed. If you possess the knowledge. Then the risk you take is less! E

I will be very tempted. Then will gladly seek your advice. Best Edmond

Well, having just the usual Subs (1680/SR, 5513s - meters 1st, faded bezel) & not (yet) being a real Rolex collector, nor an expert therein, - I just am drawn to the ncg, smaller 5508 ( like yours, Nico, is terrific), also because of the more subtle appea... 

.. that would make a nice next Rolex target ; Best, hs

A little bit late to the party but I thought I will chime in as I have first hand experience of the matter. I own two Subs, both gilt dials. One 5513 Bart Simpson and one 5508, both in pretty good shape I think. Agreed, the 5513 is a different beast than ...  

And two like yours is great. Or just one Big Crown? :) Thanks for your great feedback, my friend. Nicolas