453 - ROLEX

ROLEX Submariner, known as the "Small Crown" Ref. 5508 No. 488751 Circa 1959 Steel diving wristwatch Case: round, patinated rotating bezel with graduations and numerals, small screw-down crown with logo, screw-down caseback, signed Dial: black, known as the “Gilt exclamation dial,” painted hour markers, gilt minute track, luminescent hands, central lollipop seconds hand, signed Movement: automatic, signed—Caliber 1530 Bracelet/Clasp: riveted steel Oyster bracelet with signed folding clasp made by Gay Frères (dated 4/56) Diameter: 37 mm Wrist circumference: approx. 17 cm Condition report provided for informational purposes only: At the time of cataloging, signs of normal wear, bevels present, slight dents and signs of polishing, bezel with uniform “faded” patina, dial showing slight peeling of the enamel and slight “spider web” cracking, bracelet slightly stretched, one lug engraved “RL632,” movement in working order, routine service recommended, no warranty Bracelet 7206 Endlinks 58 An iconic model in the Submariner line, the 5508 was introduced alongside the 5510 in 1958. It embodies all the stylistic hallmarks of Rolex’s professional watches from that era, featuring a modest 37 mm diameter—similar to the so-called “Pussy Gallore” GMT models—a gilt-lacquered dial with exceptional readability, and the famous riveted bracelet crafted by Gay Frères.