Rolex Submariner 5508

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SKU AS01251
SKU AS01251

Why We Love it

There is something intensely pure about early executions.  

Be it an automobile, a watch or an unblended, lightly aged dram of whisky, stripping off layers of modifications and generations of improvements, you are left with the simplest expression of a thing - unadulterated and undiluted - a thing in its truest, purest form. And when that thing happens to be the world's most iconic sporting wristwatch, well, that thing is something special.

When we first got into dive watches, the Rolex Submariner was the indisputable king of the heap and the singular object of our desire. Here was a watch that even in our early days of collecting had a tremendously strong pull.  It was a watch with story, with guts, and with beauty.  We knew, without knowing anything at all, that the Submariner was special.  And we knew we had to have one.  

We had heard whispers of the unicorns, hushed voices muttering words like "Comex" and "Mil-Sub." We had heard about the "shoulderless" pieces; the "Small Crown" models and the so-called "James Bond" Submariner. In all honesty, we didn't really "get" it.  A Sub was a Sub was a Sub. Or at least, that was all we could really comprehend. Our grail watch was the Reference 16800 - a brilliant watch for sure, but nothing terribly exotic. 

Fast forwarding many, many years, and the landscape is a very different one. There are plenty of great resources for budding collectors, and even a few trustworthy dealers who won't rake you over the coals on your first deal (wink, nod). Information is much more readily available on these iconic divers, from the most basic to the most exotic. And as this landscape has changed, so have our tastes. We have developed a taste for design in its simplest form, and the Submariner is no exception.

What we're showing you here is a Rolex Reference 5508 Submariner, from 1958 (roughly). The "Small Crown" model, the 5508 and its successor, the 6536, are easily distinguishable from other shoulder-less Subs due to its 6mm locking crown, much smaller than those fitted to subsequent models, including the "James Bond" versions made famous by Connery in the 60s.

This particular example is not only visually stunning, but comes complete with its original inner and outer boxes, Guarantee booklet (filled out and dated in 1958) and instruction booklet describing the newly patented locking Oyster crown. 

In our eyes, the Small-Crown Subs are one of the most compelling value propositions in vintage Rolex collecting.  With other models (Big Crowns, COMEX, Mil-Subs) trading for many, many multiples, the 5508 has somehow managed to sneak by the frenzy - at least, for now. But more than that, the 5508 is quite simply our favorite Submariner execution - the purest expression of the quintessential diver's watch.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Rolex Submariner 5508

Rolex Submariner 5508

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Rolex Submariner 5508