Launched in 1953, the Submariner line is one of — if not the single most important diver’s wristwatch configurations in the brand’s history. The ref. 5508 is affectionately dubbed by collectors as the “small crown” model. In its constant pursuit of improving water resistance of its Submariner series, the ref. 5508 was the last Submariner to carry the "100m=330ft" depth rating, as subsequent models carry the improved depth rating.

Dated from circa 1962, the present example is a lovely and well-preserved wristwatch. The watch is a highly desirable and charismatic example, fitted with a correct black lacquer “Swiss” dial, with the “Submariner” model name in gilt, with the depth rating printed in white on the surface of the dial. The luminous materials on the hands and indexes have aged to a warm sandy brown color. The correct bezel with the 15-minute calibration was an upgrade from its predecessor, has retained the original pearl atop the triangular marker.

The most noteworthy feature however is the “Exclamation” dial. These dials stated to appear in 1962, the very year the current watch was manufactured. Impressive and imposing, the present example will for sure impress any collector of Rolex sport watches.