Le Monde Edmond
1049
Such a dilemma your post
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.
I think the small crown is more elegant a watch. Its more pure. More refined. But the 5512 represents really what Rolex sportswatches is all about. Its THE submariner line to own in my opinion with crown guards. If you put a gun to my head and said choose one: Maybe I would chose the 5512. Its the more everyday watch. More sportswatch. I say this even though I only own one 5512 but four smallcrowns (soon five). I love small crowns, but treat them as a group.
Tough question you have asked my friend. May your next questions be easier 
Best Edmond
Rolex Submariner: Crownguards or without crownguards?
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...
5508 for me
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...
The 5512 is much bigger, in the real, than the 5508.
2 good extra millimeters... + Add the corwnguards, and it is a different beast. Best, my friend. Nicolas
Not a very fair comparison - Size
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...
I love both references, but I personally feel that the...
... 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...
Thank you Bill! Glad you like it! Yes, this dial with exclamation...
... dot in my watch is marked III-58 inside its back. Thanks for commenting! Cordial regards, Abel.
Ay, tus fotos no son malas tampoco. :) Gracias, Abel for showing these 2 beauties.
Your 5512 has an awesome dial which may well convert me! :) Nicolas
Nicolas: Thank you, it is a great compliment about my photos coming from you...
... 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...
III 1964... But that is perfect for me! :)))
I never found a nice Rolex from 1964. Yours is a remarkable exception! Un abrazo, Amigo. Nicolas
If it is perfect for you... then is perfect for me! Lol! Great my friend I feel...
... this ine will travel with me on my next trip to Paris so you can view it in person! Un abrazo! Abel.
Agreed on the weight and the presence of the bigger case.
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...
It is a personal thing to like the smaller dimension but the market values them differentl
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...
love the 5508
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.
Great question.....
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...
6200....
.......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.
Both are equally gorgeous.. The 5508 appears even black across from the dial and bezel design
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!
Most difficult!
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...
You are adding some chilly pepper to the sausage, my friend. ;)
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
Such a dilemma your post
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...
Interesting feedback, Edmond. I would favour a 6205 Red over any 5512.
But that is just me. ;) What about a big crown? Best, Nicolas
6205 red depth?
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
Correction. I am so obsessed by the 6205 that I see Red everywhere.
You are of course right: I meant 6536! Best, Nicolas
Alright.
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
Correct
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
To answer your question
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 ...
So you are ready for THE big crown, the Tudor 7924.
Scarce but less risky than a PN. At least when you know one or two things... Best, Nicolas
knowledge is everything
Indeed. If you possess the knowledge. Then the risk you take is less! E
If I find one like yours
I will be very tempted. Then will gladly seek your advice. Best Edmond
May be late.. Possibly too late, as many points were discussed.. Thus, all is left is just my own humble preference.. ;))
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...
Thx for the kind confirmation & encouragement ! - So.. , :)
.. that would make a nice next Rolex target ; Best, hs
What a great topic....
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 ...
Fabrice, getting both is indeed the solution!
And two like yours is great. Or just one Big Crown? :) Thanks for your great feedback, my friend. Nicolas