271
Rolex
Ref. 5508
Submariner
A fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer exclamation dial and bracelet
- Estimate
- HK$120,000 - 180,000
HK$187,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- 1961
- Reference No
- 5508
- Movement No
- D80647
- Case No
- 763'433
- Model Name
- Submariner
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, 1560, 26 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel <em>Rolex Oyster</em> bracelet, 185 mm. maximum length
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel <em>Rolex </em><em></em>folding deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 38 mm. diameter
- Signed
- <em>Case, dial and movement signed</em>
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
It is believed that between 1960 and 1963, Rolex placed a small dot of luminous under the 6 o'clock numeral to indicate less radioactive luminous, forming an exclamation mark. The present watch, manufactured in 1961, is fitted with a beautiful example of one of these exclamation dials with the signature and scales printed in gilt but with the depth rating and chronometer designation printed in white. This dial is beautifully preserved in original condition and displayed consistent aging with the numerals and the hands. Finished in rich black lacquer, the dial truly transforms this reference.
Reference 5508 was launched in 1958 and carried a new depth rating of 100 metres or 330 feet. The case was still without crown guards but had a newly designed bezel that was calibrated for the first 15 minutes.
Reference 5508 was launched in 1958 and carried a new depth rating of 100 metres or 330 feet. The case was still without crown guards but had a newly designed bezel that was calibrated for the first 15 minutes.
Literature
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.
Browse Maker