Rolex Submariner 5508
The birth of the Submariner was not as a Submariner, but in fact as a little-known watch called the Turn-O-Graph 6202 in 1953. Virtually identical to the first watch with the Submariner name, the 6204, it tested the water for what would become one of the most iconic and easily-recognised dive watches of all time.
The fifties Submariners (and there were many variations before the decade was up), culminated in the release of the 5512, a shape and design more recognisable to fans of the modern Submariner. Prior to the 5512, however, it had a different persona, a more slender, bare and functional arrangement that lived only to serve the divers that flocked to the water following Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s invention of the Aqualung.
The chunky case, the pointed crown guards and the ridged, tactile bezel were all just ideas on a sketch pad until the 5512’s release, each model prior having stuck firmly to the blue-print laid down by the Turn-O-Graph 6202. Signing off this first era of design was the 5508, the last Turn-O-Graph-based Submariner model (the 5510 that was released at roughly the same time had a thicker case that served as a precursor to the 5512).
Shortly after the release of the 5512, which came complete with Chronometer certification, followed the 5513. It was virtually identical to the 5513, bar the Chronometer certification and the text on the dial to prove it, but it was a cheaper option for divers with less to spend on their equipment. Rolex also still offered the 5508 as well, overlapping the evolution from the old shape to the new.
This particular 5508 is from the mid-1960’s, and is characterised by the white dial printing and white gold hands which replaced the gold coloured dial printing and hands seen previously. The distinctive historical features and solid residuals make the 5508 a very sensible purchase.
Rolex Submariner
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- Manufacturer: Rolex
- Range: Submariner
- Model: 5508
- Age: approximately 45 years old
- Gender: Gents
- Case: Steel
- Bracelet: Steel
- Size (MM): 40
- Dial: Black Baton