Rolex Submariner 5508 - Tropical w/Red Triangle

[bguidotti]

Hi, all.
My family has a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual from the 1950s, and my dad asked me to see what I could find out about it.
I figured I'd ask the experts, rather than rely on Google.
From what I can see, it seem to be a 5508 Submariner, 1958-1959, (maybe) tropical dial, with a red triangle insert.
It's got a bit of wear, so I am unable to learn anymore than that.
Very cool looking watch!
The serial begins with 399***.

Any information you guys have would be great!

Thanks!

[Kingface66]

Hang on. This is the same one that was earlier listed on eBay as an “estate find”.
Was this your auction?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Rol...app-cvip-panel

[bguidotti]

It sure was, Kingface! It was actually my dad's auction.
I just saw you guys' other thread. It looks like I've come to the right place!
He purchased this watch at an estate sale some years ago and it's been in his drawer until now.
I was helping him clean the house out before they move, and was cataloging all his watches. He had no idea what a cool watch he had just sitting there.

[BigBlue1]

Yes it was his

[oysterquartz17000]

First piece of advice would be to ignore all of the private messages with offers.

[Dan S]

What do you want to know exactly? It has significant value as parts, especially for someone holding a nice dial.

[bguidotti]

I’m more interested in knowing any history around the model. I’ve got a general idea now, but what makes it so interesting? Is it the combination of the dial, the insert, etc. that makes it a rarer find? Were there not many made like that?


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[HarryLime]

Here's a photo of the "tropical" island it was on

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by HarryLime

Here's a photo of the "tropical" island it was on

[exador]

Originally Posted by bguidotti

I’m more interested in knowing any history around the model. I’ve got a general idea now, but what makes it so interesting? Is it the combination of the dial, the insert, etc. that makes it a rarer find? Were there not many made like that?

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-bl...ence-5508.html

https://le-monde-edmond.com/rolex-su...65361-vs-5508/

[bguidotti]

Thanks, exador.
Great info.


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[dhknola]

Definitely the watch pulled off ebay

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by dhknola

Definitely the watch pulled off ebay

'cause it seems to be the same seller who posted it on eBay

[bguidotti]

It’s my dad, guys; I mentioned it upthread.
Same initials.


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[springer]

I don't know who told you it was "tropical" as it clearly is not tropical. It is deteriorated and heavily damaged.

The most significant aspect regarding the value of those vintage Submariners comes from the dial value which is aout 75% to 90% of the watch's value.

[oysterquartz17000]

Any way you look at it, this is a good problem to have. I wish I found an old 1950's Sub in the back of a drawer.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by springer

The most significant aspect regarding the value of those vintage Submariners comes from the dial value which is aout 75% to 90% of the watch's value.

There's gotta be a decent amount of value left in the rest of the parts if their condition is good, no?

Though considering the dial in this one I don't imagine the movement being much better.

[Tom1675]

Originally Posted by sillo38

There's gotta be a decent amount of value left in the rest of the parts if their condition is good, no?

Though considering the dial in this one I don't imagine the movement being much better.

The insert alone is worth a lot.

[Dr.Smellody]

Don't part the watch out. Many people enjoy dials in this condition. I dare say cleaning the crystal will reveal a dial that looks better than these pictures. If you look at some of the cracks and scratches they are on the acrylic not the dial.

[springer]

Originally Posted by sillo38

There's gotta be a decent amount of value left in the rest of the parts if their condition is good, no?

Though considering the dial in this one I don't imagine the movement being much better.

Yes there is plenty of value left.

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by Tom1675

The insert alone is worth a lot.

Insert is an easy 10K alone.