Rolex

amanico
[JLC Moderator]
341890

• Show profile
• Show other posts

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

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 which crossed my way ).

In some cases, the dial was good, but too " tired ", I mean, in a poor condition, or it was the case which wasn't nice...

There was always a problem which made me pass my way, till...two weeks ago.

While visiting with some firends my Vintage Dealer, I saw this one:



It was love at first sight!

On this 5508, one thing is really amazing: The condition of the dial.

This watch was bought by my dealer some 10 years ago from a guy who worked at Rolex, and which never ( or almost ) wore it.

Some 5 years ago, he sold it to someone I know, who wore it a bit, but really just a bit...

So, as you can and will see, the condition of the case is great, and the dial is quite immaculate.

As the watch was kept for a long time in a safe, it didn't often see the light, and didn't have the time to turn in a yellowish brown color.

Hence these green and perfect indexes.





The white outlines are very subtle, and the green / grey / olive indexes ( don't really know how to correctly describe them ) are still glowing in the dark, loosing their luminosity in a few hours.

The hands were obviously repainted, but in the same color than the indexes.

The other thing which doesn't look correct for this watch is the insert of the bezel, and maybe the bezel itself, but I can always hunt one...

What do you, the experts, think?



The laquered gilt dial gives an uncomparable depth to the watch, and a superb allure.

I'm literally mesmerized by the contrast with the indexes, and the nice silver and gold writings and minutes indexes.

You really don't need to have a complicated dial to make a superb watch!

Another superb detail is the lack of crownguards, which is nowadays unusual for any modern Submariner.



As we speak of lack of crownguards, I hesitated a long time ( certainly a too long time, if I judge by the crazy value reached by these models ) between a 6538 and a 5508 / 6536, or, to be more concrete, between a small crown and a big crown.

The 6538 Big Crown



The 6538 is a stunning watch, and I consider it as a Grail for a Vintage Diving watch collection, as well as the Panerai 3646 or 6152, or a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Milspec.

Here, with a close cousin, an early Fifty Fathoms.



Do you notice the familiar rectangular and round indexes, on both of these watches?

It has an impressive look, due to its thicker case and bigger crown.

It gains in strength without loosing in elegance, which is awesome, and rare.

So, to be honest, the 6538 has been my first choice, but as I said above, finding one with the correct dial is nearly impossible, or at least very difficult, and once you found it, the price reaches stratospheric heights...

But a very nice 5508 is all except a second choice, if it comes with a superb and rare dial as on this one, so no regrets, only love!



The thinner case is an example of elegance for a Diving watch, IMO.

Compared to its competitors of the moment, the Rolex Sub was the only one to offer a screw in crown, which was a real plus, regarding the water resistance.

The case hides a movement which can be considered as a tractor, reliable in any circumstances, and very accurate The 1530.

Here, the screw in case back, with the usual writings, and some manual indications which show that the watch was serviced in 2005, as well as the production year ( 3rd Quartal 1959 ):





Once the case back removed, a view on the Cal 1530:





On mine, as you can see, there is no butterfly rotor, but it doesn't seem to be a problem, as, AFAIK, both were admissible on this model.

Some macros of the movement:





Another nice surprise is that the watch came with a rivetted bracelet in impeccable condition.



I love a lot the applied crown on the buckle, which has more charm than the new ones.

Inside the folding buckle, the date...I / 69...Which matches with the date inside the case back:



The Wrist Shot test is convincing...





The size of the watch ( 38 mm ) is perfect, and the presence on the wrist is impressive.

The green / grey touch of the indexes is something uncommon on a Vintage Watch, and adds to the charm and the Beauty of this timekeeper.

I kept the best picture for the end, as I really had the feeling to get it directly from the shop, 50 years ago.



A kind of delicious journey into Time...

Best to All,

Nicolas This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2009-12-21 01:07:42 This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-12-23 21:25:12

Site Info.