E.J.
1852
My thoughts...
I´ve always tought that the no-crown guard subs are or seem more dressier and elegants that the others. I think that the thickness of the cases makes them more elegants.
But it´s sure that this 5508 or 6538 (probably too much expensive?) are Hits, are true nice exponents of diver watches.
You´re working in a diving thema, and you have probably the best exponents in this thema (jlcs, blancpains ff, longines, rolexes, universal pol, etc..). A no crown guard rolex would work perfectly in your collection. I think that with one nice 5508 you would have a perfect nocrown guard exponent.
In this case... I´d sell the red letter??? umhhh, I think NO. I´ve always thought that the red letters are really nice, because I love this "touch of color" in the dial. But if you think that you are going to sell your r-letter, I can give it a new home 
.
Seriously, keep the red letter and give you the pleasure of a nice 5508. Your transitional rolexes are really nice, don´t sell them.
These are my thoughts, hermano.
Let´s see what´s your choice.
Un fuerte abrazo. Nos vemos pronto, Dios Mediante
Emilio
Some pics to feed thoughts
With or without Crownguards? I know, I know, I sound like a broken record, as I'm very obsessed by this question... It's been several months that I wonder if I have to let go my Red Sub for another Without crownguards. So, I decided to play a bit more wit...
mmhh,
Try to get the pieces of my brain you torn apart with your photo. Yes 5508 is thinner and seems more classy, Yes 1680 seems more sporty... Imho, going to no crown guards I would go in two other direction, Wether chase a 6542, because it is pure charm. The...
Very valuable input, Cisco, as always!
The problem with the 6542 is that, generally, the bezel is destroyed. And that finding a correct one, ( not a rebuild ), is quite an impossible mission. As for the 1016, I already have one...Heeeerm, I meant, my wife doesn own one. So, what is the choice,...
If you want some, get some ;-)...
And you will be wright, This 5508 has a personnality and you will get the no crown guard you were looking for, and you will be happy. ... that being said... Just get your wrist nearby a 6542 of a BAD friend (such a collector will never be a good friend ^^...
Correct, Cisco
But believe me, the price for a correct 6542, even with a re made bezel, is reaching the sky... I was able to get one, and a correct one, some 4 years ago. I have a bit the feeling that my luck is over with this watch. On the other side, YES, I consider i...
My thoughts...
I´ve always tought that the no-crown guard subs are or seem more dressier and elegants that the others. I think that the thickness of the cases makes them more elegants. But it´s sure that this 5508 or 6538 (probably too much expensive?) are Hits, are tru...
I'm thinking a bit like you, Emilio
The Red Sub and the 5508 are complementary, to me. So I feel I will keep it, unless I can go on a 6538. But it won't be for tomorrow! Best, my friend. Nicolas
6538's are great...
but don't neglect these military Tudor: they are much rarer, have more history and to me, the dial is simply sexier than the Rolex ! And of course, the price is less crazy... Just my 0.02 cts...to make things more complicated ;-) This message has been edi...
Certanlly...
these no-crown guard Tudors are sexy. And as Jeff says, true military tool-watch with lot of History, power, beauty and a sexy look. Another one to considerate, Nicolas?. Nice pic Jeff, this Tudor is stunning. Best Emilio
Nothing else to add, the photo speaks of itself.
I also do find the Tudor sexier. Just my 2 cents François
Well Nicolas....
Simple choice..... When you have had a 6538 on your wrist.... you know... that all the others fade away.... the coolest watch ever made by Rolex. And it's so much more then a 5508.... i did not believe either... But make sure you get the best one!!! Other...
I love your Definition of " Simple ", Bernhard
The best is always the simpler! Just have to find and fund it, nothing! Serioously, I tried a 6538, and then, the 5508 seemed to be less " Bad Boy " looking, more elegant, maye, but not that sexy, compared to the 6538. I very well see what you mean, but h...
LOOL the choice is simple... the hard part starts after that ;-)))...
I know ... they are much to expansive.... hard to find a great one..... But it's all worth waiting for.... so till then... keep the 5508 close by and enjoy it!!!! It's all about the hunt,.. the dream and the passion!!!! Best! Bernhard
You're right, Bernhard
The 5508 is yet a splendid watch and quite difficult to find in original condition, without service dial... So, first I will hunt the 5508, and if the 6538 is still strong im my mind, then I will begin the hunt on it, too. Best, Nicolas
Why must you post difficult questions, Nicolas! :-)
To crown guard, or not to crown guard, that is the question. *giggle* I think you made the right choice in keeping the red Sub. That's a gorgeous watch! I love the vintage examples that you've been showing us lately, Nicolas! My only issue with the non-cr...
That's a very good point, Daos
And that's, for me, the only weak point of some lovely Vintage Rolex like the Freccione, for example. The small crown is a real pain to wind, indeed. And functionality apart, aesthetically speaking, a big crown adds a lot of character, and finaly...pleasu...
Red Alert!
Correct decision if you ask me (and I know you don't LOLOLOL) There is something magical in red submariner letters for me I would never let go of this one as well as LV Don't know why but this "odd" colours on Rolex just turns me on Bets Damian
Correct, Damian...
Although no Red alert, because I keep the Red Sub! But I will hunt the non crown guard Sub. The only problem is ...Which one will I get??? Best, Nicolas
nice pictures again...
Good that you didnt sell your red sub. I think they have something "iconic" about them. With regard to a possible new addition to your collection, just follow your heart about it and dont forget that sometimes the search for the right 5508 or 6538 can tak...
Now you talk, Ryan
Don't you think I suffer with YOUR pics? Yes, I will take my time, as laways when I want a Vintage Rolex. It took me 3 years to find MY Freccione. And a few years, too, to find MY 1675... Aaah, I didn't tell you? I just got one.. Best, Nicolas
Ok, but a quick one
The one on the left ( on the right, this is a 16 750 ) A crazy patina, box and papers, from 1978. Couldn't resist...Seems that I've sinned again. Best, Nicolas...
Yeaaaaaaahhhhh
Finally you got it! The best toy, Rolex ever made, play with the strap (yeah I know it's bad), play with the bezel. Amazing blue petrol you got there, and what a patina and perfect state !!! And take your time for your No Crown Guards... ;-) Best regards ...
I will take my time, Cisco
I really have to find MINE... And it doesn't seem to be an easy thing. But that's the fun of it. Aaaah, I also saw a PCG Gilt 1675...From 1964... Ouch! Best, Nicolas
1675 gilt PCG is painful...
It is only on the wrist that the pain can cure ;-) Best regards François
both fantastic watches
that 1675 look beautiful. Great patina. Good catch. Congratulations !!! The 16750 with matt dial also looks stunning. the markers are so white !! I have my eye on one, but I m keep convincing myself not to go for it.... in 10 days from now I get my grail ...
Thanks for your nice words, Ryan
The indexes on the 16750 aren't that white, this is a trick of light, but yes, they are less patined than on the 1675. Congrats on the 1665! Another great watch to get in a Rolex Collection, indeed. Best, Nicolas
I think that the answer is...
quite obvious- non-crown. In my opinion more elegant and retro look- which you actually prefer. Hence why the question when you know your answer??? lol cheers
6542 Bezel with the 5508 dial would make me happy
Without crown guard is vintage all the way. I can't get enough of the glossy 6542 bezel though.
Agree on the no crown guard, but about the 6542 bezel
with a 5508 dial??? Best, Nicolas
No, not together
Independanty, they are exceptional and the dial is aged well. Thanks Scott
Agree, totally agree....
These are the 2 I dream about! do you own them? Best, Nicolas
Nope but I've got my eye on a local 6542
and it's a buddy who won't sell his watches, only trade. We'll see. Thanks Scott
Keep us updated, Scott.
It is always a pleasure to see an authentic 6542.... Here again, a lot of fakes all around. Do you own any other no crown guard Rolex ( I mean Sub ) ? Best. Nicolas
Nope but I use to have a 6204
Nicely aged dial too. I feel bad for ever trading it. It's my reason for renewed interest.
nice 1680
from my opinion i still enjoy my 1680 with a nato red strap which go alone with it well. and never take it off yet since last month. my 5712 is always in box when i received this 1680 and hoping you shall enjoy the same red nato > with original strap >...