Rolex. A very fine and rare stainless steel self-winding water-resistant wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and bracelet

This last version of the Submariner model without the crown guard is also the last model of an historical and experimental era during which small quantities of unusual and varying diver's watches were made. In production during a short period of time only, it is assumed that reference 5510 was made in an exceedingly small series of less than 300 examples.

The present example combines all the ingredients the demanding Rolex collector could aspire to. Most noteworthy is its overall astounding original condition, highlighted by the extremely attractive black lacquer dial. In fact, this black dial must be regarded as the ultimate state of the art in dial manufacturing as revealing a rich complexity of different layers applied to the metal base. The gilt writing and outer minute calibration are not printed on the black lacquered background but underneath and shine through in negative relief. However to further enhance its sophistication, the depth rating "200m=660ft" is superimposed and printed onto the black background. Last but not least the luminous hour markers and inserts on the gilt hands have strikingly aged and taken on a beige-yellowish tone matching the gilt writing.