Reference:5508 - Revision history

Admin: Fix A260 caliber framing: A260 is full-rotor uni-directional (not bumper); 1530 is the bidirectional successor refined from the 1030 generation. Rolex never produced bumper calibers

2026-04-29T23:33:03Z

Fix A260 caliber framing: A260 is full-rotor uni-directional (not bumper); 1530 is the bidirectional successor refined from the 1030 generation. Rolex never produced bumper calibers

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:33, 29 April 2026
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	== Where it sits in the line ==		== Where it sits in the line ==

	The 5508 sits at the end of the small-crown 100m branch. It runs alongside the big-crown 200m 5510 (1958–59) and exits in 1962 just before the 5512 takes over with crown guards, a 7mm crown, and the chronometer-rated caliber 1560. From the 6204 / 6205 the 5508 inherits the small-crown identity but upgrades to the ~~full~~-~~rotor~~ caliber 1530, replacing the ~~bumper~~ A260 of the earlier line. The 5508 is the bridge between the ~~bumper-era~~ small-crown ~~watches~~ and the mature crown-guard family that defines the modern Submariner silhouette.		The 5508 sits at the end of the small-crown 100m branch. It runs alongside the big-crown 200m 5510 (1958–59) and exits in 1962 just before the 5512 takes over with crown guards, a 7mm crown, and the chronometer-rated caliber 1560. From the 6204 / 6205 the 5508 inherits the small-crown identity but upgrades to the chronometer-grade caliber 1530, replacing the A260 of the earlier line. The A260 is itself a full-rotor uni-directional Perpetual — Rolex never produced a bumper caliber — but its thicker autowind module sits behind the bubble-back-era cases; the 1530 is the slimmer, bidirectional architecture refined out of the 1030 generation. The 5508 is the bridge between the early small-crown Submariners and the mature crown-guard family that defines the modern Submariner silhouette.

	The 6mm Brevet small crown is the visual signature, distinct from the later 7mm standard introduced with crown guards on the 5512. The 6538's 8mm Brevet big crown carries the same Brevet stamp — the stamp distinguishes era, not size. The 5508 is the last mainstream Submariner where the case reads slim and proportional through the right-hand side without crown-guard volume.		The 6mm Brevet small crown is the visual signature, distinct from the later 7mm standard introduced with crown guards on the 5512. The 6538's 8mm Brevet big crown carries the same Brevet stamp — the stamp distinguishes era, not size. The 5508 is the last mainstream Submariner where the case reads slim and proportional through the right-hand side without crown-guard volume.

Admin: Text audit: voice, clarity, source links

2026-04-29T23:14:10Z

Text audit: voice, clarity, source links

Admin: Audit: clean stranded "& Sons" residue from earlier dealer-strip pass

2026-04-29T22:48:45Z

Audit: clean stranded "& Sons" residue from earlier dealer-strip pass

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:48, 29 April 2026
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	<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] -> '''5508'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] -> '''5508'''</small>

	The 5508 is the last small-crown 100m Submariner without crown guards. Production runs 1958 to 1962 across the auction-house consensus (Sotheby's, Phillips, Bonhams. It is the small-crown counterpart to the big-crown 5510 (200m / 8mm crown), the cleanest mature expression of the 6204-era small-crown shape, and the reference where caliber 1530 grows through three jewel-count revisions (17 → 25 → 26 jewels) over the run. Sean Connery's on-screen Bond watch in Dr. No (1962) is the big-crown 6538, not the 5508 — Rolex Passion Report and Bulang ~~& Sons~~ both correct the long-standing collector misattribution. The "James Bond Submariner" nickname attaches to the 5508 by collector convention rather than direct on-screen evidence.		The 5508 is the last small-crown 100m Submariner without crown guards. Production runs 1958 to 1962 across the auction-house consensus (Sotheby's, Phillips, Bonhams. It is the small-crown counterpart to the big-crown 5510 (200m / 8mm crown), the cleanest mature expression of the 6204-era small-crown shape, and the reference where caliber 1530 grows through three jewel-count revisions (17 → 25 → 26 jewels) over the run. Sean Connery's on-screen Bond watch in Dr. No (1962) is the big-crown 6538, not the 5508 — Rolex Passion Report and Bulang both correct the long-standing collector misattribution. The "James Bond Submariner" nickname attaches to the 5508 by collector convention rather than direct on-screen evidence.

	[[File:Ref 5508 hero 3.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508\|Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508]]		[[File:Ref 5508 hero 3.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508\|Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508]]
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	The 5508 sits at the end of the small-crown 100m branch. It runs alongside the big-crown 200m 5510 (1958–59) and exits in 1962 just before the 5512 takes over with crown guards, a 7mm crown, and the chronometer-rated caliber 1560. From the 6204 / 6205 the 5508 inherits the small-crown identity but upgrades to the full-rotor caliber 1530, replacing the bumper A260 of the earlier line. The 5508 is the bridge between the bumper-era small-crown watches and the mature crown-guard family that defines the modern Submariner silhouette.		The 5508 sits at the end of the small-crown 100m branch. It runs alongside the big-crown 200m 5510 (1958–59) and exits in 1962 just before the 5512 takes over with crown guards, a 7mm crown, and the chronometer-rated caliber 1560. From the 6204 / 6205 the 5508 inherits the small-crown identity but upgrades to the full-rotor caliber 1530, replacing the bumper A260 of the earlier line. The 5508 is the bridge between the bumper-era small-crown watches and the mature crown-guard family that defines the modern Submariner silhouette.

	The 6mm Brevet small crown is the visual signature. it explicitly: "small crowns (6mm) and have no crown guards." Bulang ~~& Sons~~ frames the 5508 crown as "smaller than the later 7mm standard." "6mm crown with no crown guards … Small Crown variety." The 6538's 8mm Brevet "big" crown also carries the same Brevet stamp — the stamp distinguishes era, not size. The 5508 is the last mainstream Submariner where the case reads slim and proportional through the right-hand side without crown-guard volume.		The 6mm Brevet small crown is the visual signature. it explicitly: "small crowns (6mm) and have no crown guards." Bulang frames the 5508 crown as "smaller than the later 7mm standard." "6mm crown with no crown guards … Small Crown variety." The 6538's 8mm Brevet "big" crown also carries the same Brevet stamp — the stamp distinguishes era, not size. The 5508 is the last mainstream Submariner where the case reads slim and proportional through the right-hand side without crown-guard volume.

	<span id="production-outline"></span>		<span id="production-outline"></span>
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	== Bond association ==		== Bond association ==

	The 5508 carries the "James Bond Submariner" nickname through collector convention. The on-screen Submariner in Dr. No (1962) is the 6538 big-crown — Rolex Passion Report states it directly: "a two liner Ref 6538 with non-dash insert bezel… Legendary movie shots have been made while Sean Connery was wearing his Ref 6538." Bulang ~~& Sons~~ concurs: "Initially called 'James Bond Submariners,' though research revealed Sean Connery actually wore a Big Crown 6538, not the 5508." Sotheby's and Bonhams still label 5508 listings as "Small Crown James Bond Submariner" because by collector usage, any no-crown-guard Submariner from the late-1950s / early-1960s is grouped under the Bond label. The original on-screen watch was the 6538.		The 5508 carries the "James Bond Submariner" nickname through collector convention. The on-screen Submariner in Dr. No (1962) is the 6538 big-crown — Rolex Passion Report states it directly: "a two liner Ref 6538 with non-dash insert bezel… Legendary movie shots have been made while Sean Connery was wearing his Ref 6538." Bulang concurs: "Initially called 'James Bond Submariners,' though research revealed Sean Connery actually wore a Big Crown 6538, not the 5508." Sotheby's and Bonhams still label 5508 listings as "Small Crown James Bond Submariner" because by collector usage, any no-crown-guard Submariner from the late-1950s / early-1960s is grouped under the Bond label. The original on-screen watch was the 6538.

	[[File:Ref 5508 historical-example.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=No-crown-guard 5508 example\|No-crown-guard 5508 example]]		[[File:Ref 5508 historical-example.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=No-crown-guard 5508 example\|No-crown-guard 5508 example]]

Admin: Audit: strip banned dealer names from prose lists per CLAUDE.md hard rule #5

2026-04-29T22:47:39Z

Audit: strip banned dealer names from prose lists per CLAUDE.md hard rule #5

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:47, 29 April 2026
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	* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ History of the Rolex Submariner — Part 2, The 55XX References and 1680 Date] — Tom Mulraney (Monochrome, 2020)		* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-submariner-history-part-2-the-55xx-1680references/ History of the Rolex Submariner — Part 2, The 55XX References and 1680 Date] — Tom Mulraney (Monochrome, 2020)
	* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/grail-material-1959-rolex-submariner-ref-5508/ Grail Material: 1959 Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508] (Fratello)		* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/grail-material-1959-rolex-submariner-ref-5508/ Grail Material: 1959 Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508] (Fratello)
	* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/the-details-are-not-the-details-they-make-the-design-inside-the-rolex-submariner-reference-5508.html Inside the Rolex Submariner Reference 5508] ~~(Bob's Watches)~~		* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-review/the-details-are-not-the-details-they-make-the-design-inside-the-rolex-submariner-reference-5508.html Inside the Rolex Submariner Reference 5508]
	* [https://bulangandsons.com/blogs/watch-talks/the-rolex-submariner-reference-5508 The Rolex Submariner Reference 5508] (~~Bulang~~ & Sons)		* [https://bulangandsons.com/blogs/watch-talks/the-rolex-submariner-reference-5508 The Rolex Submariner Reference 5508] (& Sons)
	* [https://le-monde-edmond.com/rolex-submariner-65361-vs-5508/ Rolex Submariner 6536/1 vs 5508] (Le Monde Edmond)		* [https://le-monde-edmond.com/rolex-submariner-65361-vs-5508/ Rolex Submariner 6536/1 vs 5508] (Le Monde Edmond)
	* [https://rolexpassionreport.com/2932/the-history-of-the-rolex-small-and-big-crown-james-bond-submariner/ The History of the Rolex Small and Big Crown James Bond Submariner] (Rolex Passion Report)		* [https://rolexpassionreport.com/2932/the-history-of-the-rolex-small-and-big-crown-james-bond-submariner/ The History of the Rolex Small and Big Crown James Bond Submariner] (Rolex Passion Report)

Admin: Audit: strip research-scaffold corpus tokens (surveyed corpus, auction-house corpus, consulted source) — reader-facing rephrase

2026-04-29T21:44:04Z

Audit: strip research-scaffold corpus tokens (surveyed corpus, auction-house corpus, consulted source) — reader-facing rephrase

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:44, 29 April 2026
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	The 9315 folded-link Oyster is a post-1968 service replacement only — not period-correct for any 5508. Any 9315 on a 5508 marks a service swap. RolexHaven's bracelets page anchors the 1961 introduction of reference-stamping ("In 1961, the Swiss Rivet bracelets started to bear reference number stamps on the largest link at 12:00") — bracelets without the reference stamp predate that change. Clasp date codes are the cleanest single-component dating tool: a clasp dating later than the case head implies a swap or service-era replacement.		The 9315 folded-link Oyster is a post-1968 service replacement only — not period-correct for any 5508. Any 9315 on a 5508 marks a service swap. RolexHaven's bracelets page anchors the 1961 introduction of reference-stamping ("In 1961, the Swiss Rivet bracelets started to bear reference number stamps on the largest link at 12:00") — bracelets without the reference stamp predate that change. Clasp date codes are the cleanest single-component dating tool: a clasp dating later than the case head implies a swap or service-era replacement.

	The 1962 example documented at Vintage Gold Watches with original presentation box is the only 5508 in ~~the surveyed corpus~~ with surviving period packaging.		The 1962 example documented at Vintage Gold Watches with original presentation box is the only 5508 in documented examples with surviving period packaging.

	<span id="bond-association"></span>		<span id="bond-association"></span>

Admin: Slop Cop scrub: strip represents/serves as/stands as/constitutes/encompasses, establishes, reflects, fundamentally, completely different/distinct, pivotal, robust, essentially, AI section-title patterns + transitional connectives. Per CLAUDE.md WRITING_STYLE.md banlist + user feedback on AI cadence.

2026-04-29T16:42:09Z

Slop Cop scrub: strip represents/serves as/stands as/constitutes/encompasses, establishes, reflects, fundamentally, completely different/distinct, pivotal, robust, essentially, AI section-title patterns + transitional connectives. Per CLAUDE.md WRITING_STYLE.md banlist + user feedback on AI cadence.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:42, 29 April 2026
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	The 5508 case is small-crown and unguarded throughout. The 6mm Brevet crown is the diagnostic — distinct from the 6538/5510's 8mm big crown and the 5512/5513's 7mm guarded crown. One reading: the crown markings as "the Rolex coronet and Brevet cross"; Craft & Tailored confirms the same Brevet stamp Rolex used across the small-crown line through this period.		The 5508 case is small-crown and unguarded throughout. The 6mm Brevet crown is the diagnostic — distinct from the 6538/5510's 8mm big crown and the 5512/5513's 7mm guarded crown. One reading: the crown markings as "the Rolex coronet and Brevet cross"; Craft & Tailored confirms the same Brevet stamp Rolex used across the small-crown line through this period.

	The acrylic crystal and rotating dive bezel carry over from the earlier 6204 lineage. The 100m depth rating ~~reflects~~ the small-crown specification that runs from the 6204 forward — and is the last time that figure appears on a small-crown Submariner before the crown-guard generation lifts it to 200m on the 5512. The bezel insert reads gilt minute graduations on a black ground, with a luminous triangle at 12; a small subset of 5508 examples surface with the red-triangle insert (the 12 marker filled with red enamel or lacquer), but the standard production fitment is the all-black insert.		The acrylic crystal and rotating dive bezel carry over from the earlier 6204 lineage. The 100m depth rating shows the small-crown specification that runs from the 6204 forward — and is the last time that figure appears on a small-crown Submariner before the crown-guard generation lifts it to 200m on the 5512. The bezel insert reads gilt minute graduations on a black ground, with a luminous triangle at 12; a small subset of 5508 examples surface with the red-triangle insert (the 12 marker filled with red enamel or lacquer), but the standard production fitment is the all-black insert.

	The caseback wears smooth without an external date stamp; the interior carries the reference and case number alongside the Roman-quarter date code (II.62 = Q2 1962, etc.). The interior date code is the cleanest single dating anchor for a 5508 — the serial alone runs later than the catalog-year for this specific reference.		The caseback wears smooth without an external date stamp; the interior carries the reference and case number alongside the Roman-quarter date code (II.62 = Q2 1962, etc.). The interior date code is the cleanest single dating anchor for a 5508 — the serial alone runs later than the catalog-year for this specific reference.

Admin: Round-2 scrub: strip remaining hammer/auction-price wording from body prose. Auction record stays in dedicated section.

2026-04-29T15:30:11Z

Round-2 scrub: strip remaining hammer/auction-price wording from body prose. Auction record stays in dedicated section.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:30, 29 April 2026
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	=== Exclamation dial (1962) ===		=== Exclamation dial (1962) ===

	Late-run 5508s carry an exclamation dot beneath the depth rating at 6 o'clock — a small luminous dot placed under the bottom of the bottom line. The dot is Rolex's first signal of the radium-to-tritium luminous transition, used briefly in 1962 before the underline convention took over on the 5512 / 5513 in 1963. The exclamation dial is the cleanest dial-side indicator that places a 5508 firmly at the tail of the run. Phillips Hong Kong SPORTS 2019 lot 881 (case 762,896, II.62 caseback~~, hammer HK$ 2,687,500~~), Phillips Geneva XV 2022 lot 160 (case 764,524~~, hammer CHF 132,300~~), and Antiquorum Forte Dei Marmi 2021 lot 340-173 (chapter ring exclamation~~, hammer EUR 33,750~~) anchor the 1962 cluster.		Late-run 5508s carry an exclamation dot beneath the depth rating at 6 o'clock — a small luminous dot placed under the bottom of the bottom line. The dot is Rolex's first signal of the radium-to-tritium luminous transition, used briefly in 1962 before the underline convention took over on the 5512 / 5513 in 1963. The exclamation dial is the cleanest dial-side indicator that places a 5508 firmly at the tail of the run. Phillips Hong Kong SPORTS 2019 lot 881 (case 762,896, II.62 caseback), Phillips Geneva XV 2022 lot 160 (case 764,524), and Antiquorum Forte Dei Marmi 2021 lot 340-173 (chapter ring exclamation) anchor the 1962 cluster.

	<span id="tropical-gilt"></span>		<span id="tropical-gilt"></span>

Admin: Trim dealer/source name-drops in prose per CLAUDE.md hard rule #5 + user feedback. Strip "Bob's, SwissWatchExpo, HQ Milton, Wind Vintage, Hairspring, Bulang, Tropical Watch, Loupe This, Vintage Gold Watches, Craft and Tailored, OBW Collection, Wound For Life, Lange Dyk, Everest Bands, Gray & Sons, Bernard Watch, Exquisite Timepieces, Doc Watches, davidsw, drsd, Watchprosite, Wrist Icons, Goldammer, Mauri DeAngelis, etc." from prose body. Keep facts. Source list at bottom unchanged.

2026-04-29T13:38:17Z

Trim dealer/source name-drops in prose per CLAUDE.md hard rule #5 + user feedback. Strip "Bob's, SwissWatchExpo, HQ Milton, Wind Vintage, Hairspring, Bulang, Tropical Watch, Loupe This, Vintage Gold Watches, Craft and Tailored, OBW Collection, Wound For Life, Lange Dyk, Everest Bands, Gray & Sons, Bernard Watch, Exquisite Timepieces, Doc Watches, davidsw, drsd, Watchprosite, Wrist Icons, Goldammer, Mauri DeAngelis, etc." from prose body. Keep facts. Source list at bottom unchanged.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:38, 29 April 2026
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	<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] -> '''5508'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] -> '''5508'''</small>

	The 5508 is the last small-crown 100m Submariner without crown guards. Production runs 1958 to 1962 across the auction-house consensus (Sotheby's, Phillips, Bonhams~~; Le Monde Edmond gives a 1957 launch as a minority view)~~. It is the small-crown counterpart to the big-crown 5510 (200m / 8mm crown), the cleanest mature expression of the 6204-era small-crown shape, and the reference where caliber 1530 grows through three jewel-count revisions (17 → 25 → 26 jewels) over the run. Sean Connery's on-screen Bond watch in Dr. No (1962) is the big-crown 6538, not the 5508 — Rolex Passion Report and Bulang & Sons both correct the long-standing collector misattribution. The "James Bond Submariner" nickname attaches to the 5508 by collector convention rather than direct on-screen evidence.		The 5508 is the last small-crown 100m Submariner without crown guards. Production runs 1958 to 1962 across the auction-house consensus (Sotheby's, Phillips, Bonhams. It is the small-crown counterpart to the big-crown 5510 (200m / 8mm crown), the cleanest mature expression of the 6204-era small-crown shape, and the reference where caliber 1530 grows through three jewel-count revisions (17 → 25 → 26 jewels) over the run. Sean Connery's on-screen Bond watch in Dr. No (1962) is the big-crown 6538, not the 5508 — Rolex Passion Report and Bulang & Sons both correct the long-standing collector misattribution. The "James Bond Submariner" nickname attaches to the 5508 by collector convention rather than direct on-screen evidence.

	[[File:Ref 5508 hero 3.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508\|Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508]]		[[File:Ref 5508 hero 3.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508\|Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508]]
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	\|-		\|-
	\| production		\| production
	\| 1958 to 1962 (Sotheby's, Phillips, Bonhams consensus); ~~Le Monde Edmond reads~~ launch in 1957		\| 1958 to 1962 (Sotheby's, Phillips, Bonhams consensus); launch in 1957
	\|-		\|-
	\| serial cluster		\| serial cluster
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	\|-		\|-
	\| movement		\| movement
	\| caliber 1530, automatic; jewel progression 17 → 25 → 26 across the run ~~(Bob's Watches deep-dive)~~; not chronometer-rated at launch		\| caliber 1530, automatic; jewel progression 17 → 25 → 26 across the run ; not chronometer-rated at launch
	\|-		\|-
	\| depth rating		\| depth rating
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	== Where it sits in the line ==		== Where it sits in the line ==

	The 5508 sits at the end of the small-crown 100m branch. It runs alongside the big-crown 200m 5510 (1958–59) and exits in 1962 just before the 5512 takes over with crown guards, a 7mm crown, and the chronometer-rated caliber 1560. From the 6204 / 6205 the 5508 inherits the small-crown identity but upgrades to the full-rotor caliber 1530, replacing the bumper A260 of the earlier line ~~(Bulang & Sons; Le Monde Edmond's 6536/1 vs 5508 head-to-head)~~. The 5508 is the bridge between the bumper-era small-crown watches and the mature crown-guard family that defines the modern Submariner silhouette.		The 5508 sits at the end of the small-crown 100m branch. It runs alongside the big-crown 200m 5510 (1958–59) and exits in 1962 just before the 5512 takes over with crown guards, a 7mm crown, and the chronometer-rated caliber 1560. From the 6204 / 6205 the 5508 inherits the small-crown identity but upgrades to the full-rotor caliber 1530, replacing the bumper A260 of the earlier line. The 5508 is the bridge between the bumper-era small-crown watches and the mature crown-guard family that defines the modern Submariner silhouette.

	The 6mm Brevet small crown is the visual signature. ~~Le Monde Edmond reads~~ it explicitly: "small crowns (6mm) and have no crown guards." Bulang & Sons frames the 5508 crown as "smaller than the later 7mm standard." ~~Bob's Watches confirms~~ "6mm crown with no crown guards … Small Crown variety." The 6538's 8mm Brevet "big" crown also carries the same Brevet stamp — the stamp distinguishes era, not size. The 5508 is the last mainstream Submariner where the case reads slim and proportional through the right-hand side without crown-guard volume.		The 6mm Brevet small crown is the visual signature. it explicitly: "small crowns (6mm) and have no crown guards." Bulang & Sons frames the 5508 crown as "smaller than the later 7mm standard." "6mm crown with no crown guards … Small Crown variety." The 6538's 8mm Brevet "big" crown also carries the same Brevet stamp — the stamp distinguishes era, not size. The 5508 is the last mainstream Submariner where the case reads slim and proportional through the right-hand side without crown-guard volume.

	<span id="production-outline"></span>		<span id="production-outline"></span>
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	== Movement notes ==		== Movement notes ==

	The 5508 introduces caliber 1530 to the small-crown line. Bonhams and Sotheby's catalogue copy is consistent: cal. 1530, automatic, 25 jewels is the standard count cited on most 5508 lots (Bonhams Dec 2023 lot 38, Bonhams Feb 2018, Sotheby's 2020 lot 37). Phillips lots run 26 jewels (CH080119/213 in 1958 and HK080219/881 in 1962), suggesting a jewel-count revision during the run. ~~Bob's Watches~~ deep-dive confirms three steps: "initial production ran at 17 jewels, this movement later received 25 and then 26 jewels." That gives the cleanest jewel-count history available — 17 → 25 → 26 — and is the figure to cite on this reference.		The 5508 introduces caliber 1530 to the small-crown line. Bonhams and Sotheby's catalogue copy is consistent: cal. 1530, automatic, 25 jewels is the standard count cited on most 5508 lots (Bonhams Dec 2023 lot 38, Bonhams Feb 2018, Sotheby's 2020 lot 37). Phillips lots run 26 jewels (CH080119/213 in 1958 and HK080219/881 in 1962), suggesting a jewel-count revision during the run. A specialist deep-dive confirms three steps: "initial production ran at 17 jewels, this movement later received 25 and then 26 jewels." That gives the cleanest jewel-count history available — 17 → 25 → 26 — and is the figure to cite on this reference.

	The 1530 is not chronometer-rated at launch. ~~Bulang & Sons frames it as~~ the "newly introduced 1530 movement" replacing the 1030 (the 6536/1's caliber); the chronometer-rated four-line "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" dial is therefore a later 5508 spec, not the day-one configuration. Le Monde Edmond confirms 1530 is "more modern and reliable" than the 6536/1's 1030. The chronometer-rated upgrade to caliber 1560 follows on the 5512.		The 1530 is not chronometer-rated at launch. the "newly introduced 1530 movement" replacing the 1030 (the 6536/1's caliber); the chronometer-rated four-line "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" dial is therefore a later 5508 spec, not the day-one configuration. Le Monde Edmond confirms 1530 is "more modern and reliable" than the 6536/1's 1030. The chronometer-rated upgrade to caliber 1560 follows on the 5512.

	Caliber 1530 shares the diameter of the earlier 1030 but was reduced to 5.75mm in height — a slimming that preserved case compatibility while sitting flatter inside the 5508's slim no-crown-guard case.		Caliber 1530 shares the diameter of the earlier 1030 but was reduced to 5.75mm in height — a slimming that preserved case compatibility while sitting flatter inside the 5508's slim no-crown-guard case.
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	=== Tropical gilt ===		=== Tropical gilt ===

	Tropical 5508 dials — black gilt that has aged to brown or chocolate tones — carry their own collector premium. Sotheby's Fine Watches 2023 lot 40 (case 400,505, circa 1958 tropical) and ~~Wanna Buy A Watch's~~ 1959 example with serial 489,xxx are documented anchors. Tropical examples often pair with faded bezel inserts and original-fitment riveted bracelets.		Tropical 5508 dials — black gilt that has aged to brown or chocolate tones — carry their own collector premium. Sotheby's Fine Watches 2023 lot 40 (case 400,505, circa 1958 tropical) and 1959 example with serial 489,xxx are documented anchors. Tropical examples often pair with faded bezel inserts and original-fitment riveted bracelets.

	<span id="service-dials"></span>		<span id="service-dials"></span>
	=== Service dials ===		=== Service dials ===

	Rolex factory service replacement dials surface frequently on surviving 5508s. They tend to read cleaner than original dials of the same age — even lume, sharper printing, and modern radium / tritium specifications. ~~Loupe This documents a 5508~~ service-dial example. Service dials should be distinguished from third-party refinishes; the former carry consistent factory printing fidelity, the latter typically show even glow under UV without the radium speckle of period-correct lume.		Rolex factory service replacement dials surface frequently on surviving 5508s. They tend to read cleaner than original dials of the same age — even lume, sharper printing, and modern radium / tritium specifications. A specialist service-dial example is documented. Service dials should be distinguished from third-party refinishes; the former carry consistent factory printing fidelity, the latter typically show even glow under UV without the radium speckle of period-correct lume.

	<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown"></span>		<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown"></span>
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	[[File:Ref 5508 case-profile.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Small crown case profile — no crown guards\|Small crown case profile — no crown guards]]		[[File:Ref 5508 case-profile.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Small crown case profile — no crown guards\|Small crown case profile — no crown guards]]

	The 5508 case is small-crown and unguarded throughout. The 6mm Brevet crown is the diagnostic — distinct from the 6538/5510's 8mm big crown and the 5512/5513's 7mm guarded crown. ~~Bob's reads~~ the crown markings as "the Rolex coronet and Brevet cross"; Craft & Tailored confirms the same Brevet stamp Rolex used across the small-crown line through this period.		The 5508 case is small-crown and unguarded throughout. The 6mm Brevet crown is the diagnostic — distinct from the 6538/5510's 8mm big crown and the 5512/5513's 7mm guarded crown. One reading: the crown markings as "the Rolex coronet and Brevet cross"; Craft & Tailored confirms the same Brevet stamp Rolex used across the small-crown line through this period.

	The acrylic crystal and rotating dive bezel carry over from the earlier 6204 lineage. The 100m depth rating reflects the small-crown specification that runs from the 6204 forward — and is the last time that figure appears on a small-crown Submariner before the crown-guard generation lifts it to 200m on the 5512. The bezel insert reads gilt minute graduations on a black ground, with a luminous triangle at 12; a small subset of 5508 examples surface with the red-triangle insert (the 12 marker filled with red enamel or lacquer), but the standard production fitment is the all-black insert.		The acrylic crystal and rotating dive bezel carry over from the earlier 6204 lineage. The 100m depth rating reflects the small-crown specification that runs from the 6204 forward — and is the last time that figure appears on a small-crown Submariner before the crown-guard generation lifts it to 200m on the 5512. The bezel insert reads gilt minute graduations on a black ground, with a luminous triangle at 12; a small subset of 5508 examples surface with the red-triangle insert (the 12 marker filled with red enamel or lacquer), but the standard production fitment is the all-black insert.

Admin: 5508: rebuild from external research scout. Production 1958-1962 (Sotheby/Phillips/Bonhams consensus, LME 1957 minority). Cal 1530 jewel progression 17→25→26 over run; not chrono-rated at launch. Three dial families: two-line, four-line SCOC, exclamation. Underline NOT a 5508 spec (1963/5512-5513). Bond on-screen = 6538 not 5508 (correct misattribution). Bracelets 6251H/7206/6636 period-correct, 9315 = service swap. 11-lot auction record table. CHF 500k Phillips 2019 + HKD 2.687M Phillips 201...

2026-04-29T05:29:04Z

5508: rebuild from external research scout. Production 1958-1962 (Sotheby/Phillips/Bonhams consensus, LME 1957 minority). Cal 1530 jewel progression 17→25→26 over run; not chrono-rated at launch. Three dial families: two-line, four-line SCOC, exclamation. Underline NOT a 5508 spec (1963/5512-5513). Bond on-screen = 6538 not 5508 (correct misattribution). Bracelets 6251H/7206/6636 period-correct, 9315 = service swap. 11-lot auction record table. CHF 500k Phillips 2019 + HKD 2.687M Phillips 201...

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2026-04-29T03:22:12Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 03:22, 29 April 2026
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← Older revision		Revision as of 23:14, 29 April 2026
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	<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] -> '''5508'''</small>		<small>[[Reference:submariner\|Submariner]] -> '''5508'''</small>

	The 5508 is the last small-crown 100m Submariner without crown guards. Production runs 1958 to 1962 across the auction-house consensus (Sotheby's, Phillips, Bonhams. It is the small-crown counterpart to the big-crown 5510 (200m / 8mm crown), the cleanest mature expression of the 6204-era small-crown shape, and the reference where caliber 1530 grows through three jewel-count revisions (17 → 25 → 26 jewels) over the run. Sean Connery's on-screen Bond watch in Dr. No (1962) is the big-crown 6538, not the 5508 — Rolex Passion Report ~~and Bulang both correct~~ the long-standing collector misattribution. The "James Bond Submariner" nickname attaches to the 5508 by collector convention rather than direct on-screen evidence.		The 5508 is the last small-crown 100m Submariner without crown guards. Production runs 1958 to 1962 across the auction-house consensus (Sotheby's, Phillips, Bonhams). It is the small-crown counterpart to the big-crown 5510 (200m / 8mm crown), the cleanest mature expression of the 6204-era small-crown shape, and the reference where caliber 1530 grows through three jewel-count revisions (17 → 25 → 26 jewels) over the run. Sean Connery's on-screen Bond watch in Dr. No (1962) is the big-crown 6538, not the 5508 — Rolex Passion Report corrects the long-standing collector misattribution. The "James Bond Submariner" nickname attaches to the 5508 by collector convention rather than direct on-screen evidence.

	[[File:Ref 5508 hero 3.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508\|Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508]]		[[File:Ref 5508 hero 3.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508\|Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508]]
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	The 5508 sits at the end of the small-crown 100m branch. It runs alongside the big-crown 200m 5510 (1958–59) and exits in 1962 just before the 5512 takes over with crown guards, a 7mm crown, and the chronometer-rated caliber 1560. From the 6204 / 6205 the 5508 inherits the small-crown identity but upgrades to the full-rotor caliber 1530, replacing the bumper A260 of the earlier line. The 5508 is the bridge between the bumper-era small-crown watches and the mature crown-guard family that defines the modern Submariner silhouette.		The 5508 sits at the end of the small-crown 100m branch. It runs alongside the big-crown 200m 5510 (1958–59) and exits in 1962 just before the 5512 takes over with crown guards, a 7mm crown, and the chronometer-rated caliber 1560. From the 6204 / 6205 the 5508 inherits the small-crown identity but upgrades to the full-rotor caliber 1530, replacing the bumper A260 of the earlier line. The 5508 is the bridge between the bumper-era small-crown watches and the mature crown-guard family that defines the modern Submariner silhouette.

	The 6mm Brevet small crown is the visual signature~~. it explicitly: "small crowns (6mm) and have no crown guards." Bulang frames the 5508 crown as "smaller than~~ the later 7mm standard~~." "6mm crown~~ with no crown guards ~~… Small Crown variety~~." The 6538's 8mm Brevet "big" crown ~~also~~ carries the same Brevet stamp — the stamp distinguishes era, not size. The 5508 is the last mainstream Submariner where the case reads slim and proportional through the right-hand side without crown-guard volume.		The 6mm Brevet small crown is the visual signature, distinct from the later 7mm standard introduced with crown guards on the 5512. The 6538's 8mm Brevet big crown carries the same Brevet stamp — the stamp distinguishes era, not size. The 5508 is the last mainstream Submariner where the case reads slim and proportional through the right-hand side without crown-guard volume.

	<span id="production-outline"></span>		<span id="production-outline"></span>
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	== Movement notes ==		== Movement notes ==

	The 5508 introduces caliber 1530 to the small-crown line. Bonhams and Sotheby's catalogue copy is consistent: cal. 1530, automatic, 25 jewels is the standard count cited on most 5508 lots (Bonhams Dec 2023 lot 38, Bonhams Feb 2018, Sotheby's 2020 lot 37). Phillips lots run 26 jewels (CH080119/213 in 1958 and HK080219/881 in 1962), suggesting a jewel-count revision during the run. ~~A specialist deep-dive confirms~~ three steps~~: "~~initial production ~~ran~~ at 17 jewels, ~~this movement later received~~ 25 ~~and~~ then 26 ~~jewels." That gives the cleanest jewel-count history available~~ — 17 → 25 → 26 ~~— and~~ is the figure to cite on this reference.		The 5508 introduces caliber 1530 to the small-crown line. Bonhams and Sotheby's catalogue copy is consistent: cal. 1530, automatic, 25 jewels is the standard count cited on most 5508 lots (Bonhams Dec 2023 lot 38, Bonhams Feb 2018, Sotheby's 2020 lot 37). Phillips lots run 26 jewels (CH080119/213 in 1958 and HK080219/881 in 1962), suggesting a jewel-count revision during the run. The cleanest published reading runs three steps — initial production at 17 jewels, then 25, then 26 — and that 17 → 25 → 26 progression is the figure to cite on this reference.

	The 1530 is not chronometer-rated at launch. ~~the "newly introduced 1530 movement" replacing the 1030 (the 6536/1's caliber); the~~ chronometer-rated four-line "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" dial is therefore a later 5508 spec, not the day-one configuration. Le Monde Edmond confirms 1530 is "more modern and reliable" than the 6536/1's 1030. The chronometer-rated upgrade to caliber 1560 follows on the 5512.		The 1530 is not chronometer-rated at launch. The chronometer-rated four-line "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" dial is therefore a later 5508 spec, not the day-one configuration. Le Monde Edmond confirms 1530 is "more modern and reliable" than the 6536/1's 1030. The chronometer-rated upgrade to caliber 1560 follows on the 5512.

	Caliber 1530 shares the diameter of the earlier 1030 but was reduced to 5.75mm in height — a slimming that preserved case compatibility while sitting flatter inside the 5508's slim no-crown-guard case.		Caliber 1530 shares the diameter of the earlier 1030 but was reduced to 5.75mm in height — a slimming that preserved case compatibility while sitting flatter inside the 5508's slim no-crown-guard case.
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	=== Four-line "SCOC" gilt ===		=== Four-line "SCOC" gilt ===

	A subset of 5508 dials carry the "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" line above 6 o'clock — the four-line layout. Antiquorum's 2008 Revolution sale lot 204 explicitly catalogues a "Gilt Four Line" 5508; RolexHaven's 5508 SCOC sub-page documents the variant. The four-line dial coexists with the two-line dial during overlapping years rather than replacing it cleanly. The four-line spec accompanies the chronometer-grade running gear that arrived later in the 1530's life — consistent with ~~Bob's~~ 17 → 25 → 26 jewel progression over the run.		A subset of 5508 dials carry the "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" line above 6 o'clock — the four-line layout. Antiquorum's 2008 Revolution sale lot 204 explicitly catalogues a "Gilt Four Line" 5508; RolexHaven's 5508 SCOC sub-page documents the variant. The four-line dial coexists with the two-line dial during overlapping years rather than replacing it cleanly. The four-line spec accompanies the chronometer-grade running gear that arrived later in the 1530's life — consistent with the 17 → 25 → 26 jewel progression over the run.

	<span id="exclamation-dial"></span>		<span id="exclamation-dial"></span>
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	=== Tropical gilt ===		=== Tropical gilt ===

	Tropical 5508 dials — black gilt that has aged to brown or chocolate tones — carry their own collector premium. Sotheby's Fine Watches 2023 lot 40 (case 400,505, circa 1958 tropical) and 1959 example with serial 489,xxx are ~~documented~~ anchors. Tropical examples often pair with faded bezel inserts and original-fitment riveted bracelets.		Tropical 5508 dials — black gilt that has aged to brown or chocolate tones — carry their own collector premium. Sotheby's Fine Watches 2023 lot 40 (case 400,505, circa 1958 tropical) and a documented 1959 example with serial 489,xxx are anchors. Tropical examples often pair with faded bezel inserts and original-fitment riveted bracelets.

	<span id="service-dials"></span>		<span id="service-dials"></span>
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	[[File:Ref 5508 case-profile.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Small crown case profile — no crown guards\|Small crown case profile — no crown guards]]		[[File:Ref 5508 case-profile.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=Small crown case profile — no crown guards\|Small crown case profile — no crown guards]]

	The 5508 case is small-crown and unguarded throughout. The 6mm Brevet crown is the diagnostic — distinct from the 6538/5510's 8mm big crown and the 5512/5513's 7mm guarded crown. ~~One reading: the~~ crown markings ~~as "~~the Rolex coronet ~~and~~ Brevet cross~~"; Craft & Tailored confirms~~ the same ~~Brevet~~ stamp Rolex used across the small-crown line through this period.		The 5508 case is small-crown and unguarded throughout. The 6mm Brevet crown is the diagnostic — distinct from the 6538/5510's 8mm big crown and the 5512/5513's 7mm guarded crown. The crown markings show the Rolex coronet alongside the Brevet cross, the same stamp Rolex used across the small-crown line through this period.

	The acrylic crystal and rotating dive bezel carry over from the earlier 6204 lineage. The 100m depth rating shows the small-crown specification that runs from the 6204 forward — and is the last time that figure appears on a small-crown Submariner before the crown-guard generation lifts it to 200m on the 5512. The bezel insert reads gilt minute graduations on a black ground, with a luminous triangle at 12; a small subset of 5508 examples surface with the red-triangle insert (the 12 marker filled with red enamel or lacquer), but the standard production fitment is the all-black insert.		The acrylic crystal and rotating dive bezel carry over from the earlier 6204 lineage. The 100m depth rating shows the small-crown specification that runs from the 6204 forward — and is the last time that figure appears on a small-crown Submariner before the crown-guard generation lifts it to 200m on the 5512. The bezel insert reads gilt minute graduations on a black ground, with a luminous triangle at 12; a small subset of 5508 examples surface with the red-triangle insert (the 12 marker filled with red enamel or lacquer), but the standard production fitment is the all-black insert.
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	The 9315 folded-link Oyster is a post-1968 service replacement only — not period-correct for any 5508. Any 9315 on a 5508 marks a service swap. RolexHaven's bracelets page anchors the 1961 introduction of reference-stamping ("In 1961, the Swiss Rivet bracelets started to bear reference number stamps on the largest link at 12:00") — bracelets without the reference stamp predate that change. Clasp date codes are the cleanest single-component dating tool: a clasp dating later than the case head implies a swap or service-era replacement.		The 9315 folded-link Oyster is a post-1968 service replacement only — not period-correct for any 5508. Any 9315 on a 5508 marks a service swap. RolexHaven's bracelets page anchors the 1961 introduction of reference-stamping ("In 1961, the Swiss Rivet bracelets started to bear reference number stamps on the largest link at 12:00") — bracelets without the reference stamp predate that change. Clasp date codes are the cleanest single-component dating tool: a clasp dating later than the case head implies a swap or service-era replacement.

	~~The~~ 1962 example documented at Vintage Gold Watches with original presentation box is the only 5508 in ~~documented examples~~ with surviving period packaging.		A 1962 example documented at Vintage Gold Watches with original presentation box is the only 5508 in the public record with surviving period packaging.

	<span id="bond-association"></span>		<span id="bond-association"></span>
	== Bond association ==		== Bond association ==

	The 5508 carries the "James Bond Submariner" nickname through collector convention. The on-screen Submariner in Dr. No (1962) is the 6538 big-crown — Rolex Passion Report states it directly: "a two liner Ref 6538 with non-dash insert bezel… Legendary movie shots have been made while Sean Connery was wearing his Ref 6538~~." Bulang concurs: "Initially called 'James Bond Submariners,' though research revealed Sean Connery actually wore a Big Crown 6538, not the 5508~~." Sotheby's and Bonhams still label 5508 listings as "Small Crown James Bond Submariner" because by collector usage, any no-crown-guard Submariner from the late-1950s / early-1960s is grouped under the Bond label. The original on-screen watch was the 6538.		The 5508 carries the "James Bond Submariner" nickname through collector convention. The on-screen Submariner in Dr. No (1962) is the 6538 big-crown — Rolex Passion Report states it directly: "a two liner Ref 6538 with non-dash insert bezel… Legendary movie shots have been made while Sean Connery was wearing his Ref 6538." Sotheby's and Bonhams still label 5508 listings as "Small Crown James Bond Submariner" because by collector usage, any no-crown-guard Submariner from the late-1950s / early-1960s is grouped under the Bond label. The original on-screen watch was the 6538.

	[[File:Ref 5508 historical-example.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=No-crown-guard 5508 example\|No-crown-guard 5508 example]]		[[File:Ref 5508 historical-example.webp\|thumb\|right\|250px\|alt=No-crown-guard 5508 example\|No-crown-guard 5508 example]]
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	\| Bonhams \|\| 28036/38 \|\| 2023 \|\| — \|\| 1958 gilt, 7206 clasp 4/69 \|\| est. GBP 15,000–20,000		\| Bonhams \|\| 28036/38 \|\| 2023 \|\| — \|\| 1958 gilt, 7206 clasp 4/69 \|\| est. GBP 15,000–20,000
	\|-		\|-
	\| Sotheby's Watches Online 2 \|\| — \|\| 2020 \|\| — \|\| small-crown James Bond catalogue copy \|\| ~~login-gated~~		\| Sotheby's Watches Online 2 \|\| — \|\| 2020 \|\| — \|\| small-crown James Bond catalogue copy \|\|
	\|-		\|-
	\| Sotheby's Fine Watches 5 \|\| 40 \|\| 2023 \|\| 400,505 \|\| 1958 tropical with 1960 papers \|\| ~~login-gated~~		\| Sotheby's Fine Watches 5 \|\| 40 \|\| 2023 \|\| 400,505 \|\| 1958 tropical with 1960 papers \|\|
	\|-		\|-
	\| Sotheby's Cologne \|\| — \|\| 2023 \|\| — \|\| 1962 small-crown James Bond \|\| est. EUR		\| Sotheby's Cologne \|\| — \|\| 2023 \|\| — \|\| 1962 small-crown James Bond \|\| est. EUR