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Rolex

Ref. 5510

Submariner "Big Crown"

A fine and very rare stainless steel wristwatch with black lacquer dial, center seconds, "Big Crown" and bracelet

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The "Big Crown" Submariner reference 5510 was introduced in 1958 and made for a very short period only. The watch was fitted with the new Rolex calibre, 1530, and was the third interpretation of the "Big Crown" Submariner and was eventually replaced by the reference 5512 in 1959. Compared to its predecessor, the case is much thicker to house the new 1030 movement. Yet, many key vital elements remain the same, such as the black lacquer ‘Swiss’ dial, lack of crown guards and 8 millimeter Brevet ‘big’ crown.

The quality of the dial of this timepiece cannot be overstated. Absolutely unrestored, it maintains the original glossy finish (which often clouds with age) as well as the original luminous material, now a charming camel hue. There are barely any signs of ageing on the dial and it still retains a very strong mirrored finish.

The case is as impressive as the dial. It has been preserved wonderfully and retains its beveled edges, and the numbers between the lugs remain crisp and visible. Tool watches were initially considered ‘everyday’ items, rather than ‘precious’ watches. In fact, it was common for their owners to wear and polish them frequently. To find one in such original condition is delightful.

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.

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