{"product_id":"rolex-submariner-as01803","title":"Rolex Submariner","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe Rolex Submariner commands respect. It’s a watch with a story, guts, beauty, and an indisputable pedigree that few other watches can claim. Whether one loves it or not, it’s the world’s most iconic sports watch, and it demands (and deserves) a place in any collection, vintage or modern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThere is no doubt that the model is ubiquitous, but what’s so enduring about its appeal is that there’s a model of Submariner for anyone. Its long run (sixty-three years and counting) produced many references, and though every execution shares some similarities with its forebears, each model is very much a watch of its own, with its own character and charm. Date or \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/shop.analogshift.com\/collections\/watches\/products\/rolex-submariner-3\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Rolex Submariner Reference 5513\"\u003eno-date\u003c\/a\u003e, big crown or small—there’s a Submariner for all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe early Submariners laid the foundation for what the line would become, but appear markedly different from more contemporary models. There were no crown guards on these early references, and only five-minute markers on the rotating bezel. As far as the dials were concerned, some had hour markers (like those found on modern Subs) while some had dials with the 3, 6, 9 layout now associated with the Explorer. Instead of the Mercedes hands that all Submariners now bear, early examples had baton or stick style hands. Furthermore, these early Submariners were only rated to a depth of 300 feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe Submariner Reference 5508, launched in 1958, represents a pivotal stage in the development of the model. This \"Small Crown\" model, the 5508 (and its successor, the 6536) is easily distinguishable from other shoulder-less Subs due to its 6mm locking crown. The crown is much smaller than those fitted to subsequent models, including the \"James Bond\" versions made famous by Connery in the 1960s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAlso instrumental in the development of the Submariner was the addition of fifteen-minute markers to the 5508's bezel; furthermore, even the reference number - 5508 - started the trend of 5500 series reference numbers that would persist until 1966 brought the \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/shop.analogshift.com\/products\/rolex-submariner-1681\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Rolex Submariner Reference 1680\"\u003eReference 1680\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis particular Reference 5508, dating from roughly 1962, boasts a near perfect, mirror-gloss, gilt “Exclamation Point” dial with a beautiful patina and all lume in tact - a treasure in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 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 a classic and pure expression of the quintessential diver's watch.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":30044875073,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/Rolex_Submariner_5508_AS01803_1.jpg?v=1486493898","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/rolex-submariner-as01803","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}