Rolex. A very fine and rare stainless steel automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and bracelet
Lot 130

Rolex. A very fine and rare stainless steel automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and bracelet

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, 200M=660FT, SUBMARINER, REF. 5510, CASE NO. 361'946, CIRCA 1958

Closed11 November 2013

Price Realised

CHF 62,500

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Rolex. A very fine and rare stainless steel automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and bracelet
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, 200m=660ft, Submariner, ref. 5510, case no. 361'946, circa 1958
Cal. 1530 automatic movement, 25 jewels, black dial, with luminous dot, baton and dagger numerals, luminous mercedes hands, sweep centre seconds, tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case with black revolving bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw down crown, screw back stamped 1.1958, stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, case, dial and movement signed
38 mm. diam.

Specialist note

Reference 5510 is the successor to Submariner references 6200 and 6538. It features a large 8 mm. crown, which is also known as "big crown". Collectors often refer to reference 5510 as a "James Bond". The model was also available with the rare "3/6/9" or "Explorer" dial.
Reference 5510 is the last Submariner without crown guard and was made in a small quantity and for a short period only.

The present watch is a rare vintage piece with the correct crown, bezel with minute markers between 1 to 15 and a charming dial that has aged beautifully. The even patina on the dial combines nicely with the minute divisions and luminous material, which have taken on a warm orange-brown tone. The formerly gilt, now turned orange-brown, word "Submariner" is clearly legible. The depth rating in white mentions the meters first, followed by the feet, reading "200m=660ft." An interesting and historic reference that should be part of any serious watch lover's collection.