70
Rolex
Ref. 5510
Submariner "Big Crown", "Coroncione"
An impressive and delightful stainless steel automatic diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, "Meter First" gilt gloss dial, big crown and bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
- Automatic, center seconds
- A representative of the category of “Big Crown” Submariner models
- Very well preserved dial with a light “Spider” effect
The "Big Crown" Submariner reference 5510 was introduced in 1958 and produced for a very short period only. The watch was fitted with the new Rolex calibre 1530 and was the third interpretation of the "Big Crown" Submariner. It was eventually replaced by the reference 5512 in 1959. “Big Crown” Submariners have conquered a special place in the hearts of collectors not only due to the distinct and unmistakable aesthetic effect the oversized crown has on the ensemble, but also due to the fact that a Big Crown model (ref. 6538) was immortalized in the adventures of the most famous spy in the world: James Bond.
Compared to its predecessor, the case of ref. 5510 is much thicker in order to house the new 1530 movement. Yet many key elements remain the same, such as the black lacquer ‘Swiss’ dial, the lack of crown guards and, of course, the 8-millimeter Brevet “big” crown.
The present example is offered in absolutely original, unmolested condition. Most notably, the dial well preserves its glossy finish with a light hint of “spider” aging, visible under the appropriate light incidence, which amplifies the vintage charm of the piece.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.