Rolex Reference 5508 Submariner 'Small Crown James Bond' | A stainless steel automatic wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1958 | 勞力士 型號 5508 Submariner ‘Small Crown James Bond’ 精鋼自動上鏈鍊帶腕錶，製作年份約 1958

Rolex

Reference 5508 Submariner 'Small Crown James Bond'
A stainless steel automatic wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1958

勞力士 型號 5508 Submariner ‘Small Crown James Bond’
精鋼自動上鏈鍊帶腕錶，製作年份約 1958

Dial: black, gilt
Caliber: cal. 1530 automatic, 25 jewels
Movement number: 03838
Case: stainless steel, screw down case back
Case number: 488'492
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster rivet bracelet with folding clasp
Size: 38 mm diameter, bracelet circumference is approximately 185 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no

Condition Report:
Case: The case is in overall very good condition with light signs of wear, strong proportions to the lugs and visible bevels. It has likely seen a light polishing in the past. Inside case back stamped '5508' and 'IV 58'. The bracelet with signs of wear throughout. The end links are stamped '58'.

Dial: The service dial and hands are in overall good condition. The luminous plots have aged evenly throughout to a warmer tone. The hands with some inconsistencies in color. A small area of loss to the gilt printed outer track at 10 o'clock.

Movement: The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.

Catalogue Note:
The Submariner is one of Rolex's most iconic models. Still in production today, it has gone through multiple incarnations throughout its 70 years of history. Manufactured between 1958 and 1962, the reference 5508 marks important points in the history of the Submariner. The reference was the last of the Submariner to carry the 100m/330ft depth rating and also the last one without crown guards. Furthermore, it was the first Submariner to have the bezel with the individual minute markers for the first 15 minutes. A characteristic that has remained unchanged in Submariners until today. It is known as the 'Small Crown', which measures 6 mm, to distinguish itself from the 'Big Crown' reference 6538, and is also known as the 'James Bond' Submariner thanks to its appearance on the wrist of the famous fictional British spy.