Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE Hong Kong Monday, November 27, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1958
    Reference No: 5508
    Case No: 490'575, inside case back stamped lll.1958
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1530, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex riveted Oyster link bracelet, end links stamped 75, max. length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp, stamped 3.63
    Dimensions: 38mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Literature: A similar example of this reference 5508 is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, by John Goldberger, page 186.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The reference 5508 was in producing for a limited time from 1957, until approximately 1961. The model affectionately called by collectors as the ‘James Bond’ is also known as the ‘small crown’ model, and is the last of the Submariner model to feature a 100m rating, and without crown guards.

    The present example from 1958 is a lovely example and features all the correct details that make this a highly collectible reference. The charismatic black glossy dial features the signature in gilt, with the depth rating printed in white on the surface. The hands and lume plots have aged to a warm sandy brown colour. The correct bezel with the 15 minute calibration an upgrade from its predecessor the reference 6536, has faded to a blue grey and has a wonderful contrast to the black dial.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded 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.

    View More Works

821

Ref. 5508
A fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and bracelet

Circa 1958
38mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000 
€13,100-21,800
$15,000-25,000

Sold for HK$300,000

Contact Specialist
Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
yong.ho@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE

Hong Kong Auction 28 November 2017