1958 lll . 5508 Submariner questions

[ParisDakarBmw]

I recently purchased this from an old fellow. He had it since 1966. Some of the info has worn between the lugs. "Registered design" is visible with "XX08" above it. The opposite side has about 4 of the serial numbers visible under the loupe. Natural wear. The movement is a 1530, serial number is clearly visable "3612X" also "Rolex Geneva Swiss, 25 fine rubies" caseback "Montres Rolex USA Geneva Switzerland, patented lll . 1958" Can anyone tell me more about the watch, dial, hands, possible value? Is the dial original with the white lettering? Thanks for any help. Sorry for the bad pics

[Nicko]

Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!

Ok guys, have at it!

[Nicko]

BTW, I retired from NSCS back in 2005...Lived and worked in Athens for 3 years, loved it....A shame NSCS is moving. Welcome to the forum and a beautiful watch! You are very lucky.

[CaveDiver]

Interesting dial

[onkyo]

Originally Posted by CaveDiver

Interesting dial

x2....

[Nicko]

Originally Posted by CaveDiver

Interesting dial

Not much experience with 5508s, could you please elaborate for the OP? I'm interested to learn as well. I compared it with an original 5508 and there are some differences, but "interesting" doesn't help the OP much.

[mcjp6]

Nice looking 5508 and a good find.....

Still a novice here so pls correct me if wrong , but I would have though a gilt dial would have been appropriate for this period, ie late 50's. I think the dial may have been redone as the font on "submariner" seems off, the "m" and "ft" are missing at the depth indication as is "Swiss" at the 6 o'clock position.

I think a new crown also has been fitted as there is no "Brevet" showing.



Still a nice find and welcome to TRF....

[CaveDiver]

Originally Posted by Nicko

Not much experience with 5508s, could you please elaborate for the OP? I'm interested to learn as well. I compared it with an original 5508 and there are some differences, but "interesting" doesn't help the OP much.

Sorry, I was being vague on purpose. The dial just is different. The font, maybe the pictures but I can not see feet or meter markings. The crown on the dial looks different too. Why, I have no idea, just looks different. I have a feeling he knows

[Nicko]

Originally Posted by CaveDiver

Sorry, I was being vague on purpose. The dial just is different. The font, maybe the pictures but I can not see feet or meter markings. The crown on the dial looks different too. Why, I have no idea, just looks different. I have a feeling he knows

Like i said, I had no idea, but a quick Google search turned up many dials of which none look like the OP's. You could be right, I have no idea of his motives. I think he's just looking for answers, but I'll say this I would never purchase this type of watch from anyone without first doing some due diligence on it first. I'm sure it wasn't given away by any means.

[mcjp6]

Originally Posted by ParisDakarBmw

Is the dial original with the white lettering? Thanks for any help. Sorry for the bad pics

For your info I found this original 1958 5508 dial on ebay (item no 270425914503) selling for $9900!

[mike]

As Michael said gilt would be the order of the day. I'd like a better photo, but I'd lean toward re-done.

[Nicko]

recently purchased this from an old fellow. He had it since 1966. Some of the info has worn between the lugs. "Registered design" is visible with "XX08" above it. The opposite side has about 4 of the serial numbers visible under the loupe. Natural wear. The movement is a 1530, serial number is clearly visable "3612X" also "Rolex Geneva Swiss, 25 fine rubies" caseback "Montres Rolex USA Geneva Switzerland, patented lll . 1958" Can anyone tell me more about the watch, dial, hands, possible value? Is the dial original with the white lettering? Thanks for any help. Sorry for the bad pics

Can you open the back and post a pic of the movement?

[adam78]

I agree that the dial is most likely not original (i.e. repainted). Also I don't think the bezel insert is correct.

[ParisDakarBmw]

I work at a jewelry store. An older man who has been a regular customer for over 20 years came in with this watch. He wanted to sell it so he could get some nice jewelry for christmas. I made him an offer, and he didn't want to sell it. He came back a few times before I took a closer look. Once I saw that it was a 1958 I did some talking, and got the watch. I have been looking around to find out a little more about it. My camera is crappy, but I'll get some pics of the movement, and case back soon. I'll also take clearer pics of the watch. I'm only looking for expert info, because I really don't have a clue about the watch dial. Thanks for your help. Value?

[Nicko]

Delete.....

[kyle L]

It looks like the dial had been redone...

[ParisDakarBmw]

Delete? I have the watch sitting right here. I'll post some better pics when I get them. I have some issues without a macro setting. I'm not Nigerian, nor a scammer. I have a cool watch, and wanted to find out more. Here's my photo link. My pics are blurry, and I didn't post them because they were hard to see . I'll get better pics when I'm at work Monday.
http://s820.photobucket.com/albums/zz125/parisdakarbmw/

[Nicko]

Originally Posted by ParisDakarBmw

Delete? I have the watch sitting right here. I'll post some better pics when I get them. I have some issues without a macro setting. I'm not Nigerian, nor a scammer. I have a cool watch, and wanted to find out more. Here's my photo link. My pics are blurry, and I didn't post them because they were hard to see . I'll get better pics when I'm at work Monday.
http://s820.photobucket.com/albums/zz125/parisdakarbmw/

Those movement pics are priceless... You can put it on eBay with those.....

[SLS]

I can't tell a thing from those pics. Turn off your flash, turn on the macro (flower button) function and take pictures of it in some natural light.
Scott

[ParisDakarBmw]

Stay tuned!

[CaveDiver]

Not sure what to say about the dial. Not sure if folks are staying away to keep from hurting your feelings, but it has to hurt the value at least.

At lest the seconds and minute hands appear to reach the dial ring. That is good. There appears to be some greening on them though. You might want to PM one of the experts on this board for details. Did this old guy tell you who serviced his watch over the 40+ years?
Good luck

[rysurio]

I was excited to see this post, as I have had this watch now for almost 10 years. My father was the original owner and bought the watch in Europe (Spain, I think) when he was in the US Navy in 1958. I always thought it was strange that the "ft" and "m" markings were missing. Mine is pretty beat up cosmetically, but he had the watch serviced regularly. The crystal and the hands (non-Submariner...what a shame) were replaced at some point, but everything else is original. I do not think your dial has been altered. There may have been some early Subs that did not have the markings. BTW, I would not trust anything I see on eBay.
I snapped these picks out on my back deck 5 minutes ago...best I could do since in snowing here in Nashville.

[ParisDakarBmw]

Time Delay was the company who my store sent the watch to when it was serviced. I have some of the papers. It shows a bezel insert, but the watchmaker suggested not to relume, or trade dial for antique value reasons, but it could be done if the owner wanted that. It has an X next to that option, and wasn't part of the total charged for repairs. The hairpring, crystal, case tube, ss crown, barrel bridge, driving wheel, third wheel, pallet fork, and insert are what have been done along with two servicings in the past 20 years. Time Delay is in Dallas TX. The watchmaker did say that the dial was aged, and the lume was discolored, but doesn't mention redial.

[ParisDakarBmw]

Time delay serviced it. I have some papers to verify.

[SLS]

If it is the same "Time Delay" that I know of, they are known for the aftermarket dials, bracelets, bezels etc...The Time Delay catalog is standard issue for pawn shops. The plot thickens!
Scott

[Nicko]

Originally Posted by SLS

If it is the same "Time Delay" that I know of, they are known for the aftermarket dials, bracelets, bezels etc...The Time Delay catalog is standard issue for pawn shops. The plot thickens!
Scott

Hmmmmm

Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there."
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."


"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly.
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!"
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"


Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, " Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?"
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be,
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"


"Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."


The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
"Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue --
Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!


And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

The Spider and the Fly
Mary Howitt

Only in this case the fly is the spider.....

[ParisDakarBmw]

I know the pics are almost 3d, but my camera is obviously top notch. Time delay did a few of the repairs, but it is a real nice watch (all joking aside). The post are funny, and educating at the same time. I'm trying to put the watch out there to find out about the dial mostly. It is pretty funny that my camera takes pictures that bad. I will have better ones this Monday. Thanks for the info on the dial.

[Gonerafting]

Here's a Macro Picture of the dial on my father's 5508, era 1958, with the correct dial for this period. I hope this helps!

[Gonerafting]

Originally Posted by Gonerafting

Here's a Macro Picture of the dial on my father's 5508, era 1958, with the correct dial for this period. I hope this helps!

Second try at picture!

[mike]

Originally Posted by ParisDakarBmw

I know the pics are almost 3d, but my camera is obviously top notch. Time delay did a few of the repairs, but it is a real nice watch (all joking aside). The post are funny, and educating at the same time. I'm trying to put the watch out there to find out about the dial mostly. It is pretty funny that my camera takes pictures that bad. I will have better ones this Monday. Thanks for the info on the dial.

Paul, if the photos in the listed photobucket are the one's you're refering to about the dial..it's a badly re-done dial.