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Old 10 January 2018, 02:06 AM   #1
mrm143
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Rolex Sub 5508 Help

Hello everyone and thanks in advance

I inherited this watch from my grandfather, and all I really know is that it is a Reference 5508, and also comes with some new old stocks pieces as well

Here are some pics for now, can anyone give me anymore information?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (1).jpg (201.8 KB, 226 views)
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (2).jpg (197.3 KB, 224 views)
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (3).jpg (155.6 KB, 222 views)
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (4).jpg (184.1 KB, 220 views)
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (5).jpg (184.2 KB, 221 views)
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (6).jpg (162.0 KB, 220 views)
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Old 10 January 2018, 06:03 AM   #2
Vlad
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Submariner 5508. Spare replacement dial - not original Rolex, but I have seen a number of very similar dials from the 70s. American made folded oyster band. Looks like you have some original hands - they worth a lot of money. From the scans, I cannot tell if the bezel in a package is original or a replacement. Based on the discoloration of the crystal, I would guess the watch has moister damage (and likely the dial on the watch as well). Better pictures of the case would help, but it does look like it was intensily polished. Looks like the end link is for a Jubilee band.
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Old 10 January 2018, 06:16 AM   #3
mrm143
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vlad View Post
Submariner 5508. Spare replacement dial - not original Rolex, but I have seen a number of very similar dials from the 70s. American made folded oyster band. Looks like you have some original hands - they worth a lot of money. From the scans, I cannot tell if the bezel in a package is original or a replacement. Based on the discoloration of the crystal, I would guess the watch has moister damage (and likely the dial on the watch as well). Better pictures of the case would help, but it does look like it was intensily polished. Looks like the end link is for a Jubilee band.

Here are a few more pics
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (9).jpg (248.2 KB, 205 views)
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (7).jpg (272.0 KB, 205 views)
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (10).jpg (191.0 KB, 204 views)
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Old 10 January 2018, 06:19 AM   #4
mrm143
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vlad View Post
Submariner 5508. Spare replacement dial - not original Rolex, but I have seen a number of very similar dials from the 70s. American made folded oyster band. Looks like you have some original hands - they worth a lot of money. From the scans, I cannot tell if the bezel in a package is original or a replacement. Based on the discoloration of the crystal, I would guess the watch has moister damage (and likely the dial on the watch as well). Better pictures of the case would help, but it does look like it was intensily polished. Looks like the end link is for a Jubilee band.

Few more pics
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (10).jpg (191.0 KB, 204 views)
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (7).jpg (272.0 KB, 203 views)
File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (9).jpg (248.2 KB, 202 views)
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Old 10 January 2018, 07:08 AM   #5
themaninblack
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The plexiglass is badly scored/crazed but so that needs to come off to see what’s going on with the dial underneath. Shame as it looks like a genuine tropic 16. The spare dial looks like some kind of repainted dial. Is the crown missing? The bracelet looks to be a USA C + I rivet from 1963 so is quite likely original. What is the serial number? As the saying goes, “more and better photos required”!

Btw. What you have is quite valuable so don’t go selling it for peanuts.
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Old 10 January 2018, 07:17 AM   #6
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Your grandfather has great taste.

Could you upload more pictures of the case?
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Old 10 January 2018, 07:19 AM   #7
mrm143
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Your grandfather has great taste.

Could you upload more pictures of the case?


Trying to add more, not sure if moderator has to review or not as their not going through
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Old 10 January 2018, 07:21 AM   #8
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I’ve been approving your posts
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Old 10 January 2018, 07:21 AM   #9
mrm143
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I’ve been approving your posts
Thanks, few more pics to come
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Old 10 January 2018, 07:32 AM   #10
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more pics
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File Type: jpg Webp.net-resizeimage (13).jpg (231.9 KB, 199 views)
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Old 10 January 2018, 08:33 AM   #11
themaninblack
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Original rotor. Red triangle bezel insert and all. Probably an original gilt hand set in the plastic. In the right hands this watch can be beautifully resurrected. What is the serial number and date on the case back?

Good one!
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Old 10 January 2018, 08:39 AM   #12
mrm143
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Original rotor. Red triangle bezel insert and all. Probably an original gilt hand set in the plastic. In the right hands this watch can be beautifully resurrected. What is the serial number and date on the case back?

Good one!


It’s 58 on the case back and a 33xxxx serial
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Old 10 January 2018, 08:49 AM   #13
themaninblack
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It’s 58 on the case back and a 33xxxx serial
Okay and I note that it is marked fully 1958 which is correct and what would be an early case number for this reference, are you sure it’s 33xxxx, not perhaps 38xxxx? By the looks not serviced by Rolex for about 37 years. Further, what is written in small letters below the 6 o’clock marker on the dial? Very interesting piece based on what I can see.
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Old 10 January 2018, 10:54 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by themaninblack View Post
Okay and I note that it is marked fully 1958 which is correct and what would be an early case number for this reference, are you sure it’s 33xxxx, not perhaps 38xxxx? By the looks not serviced by Rolex for about 37 years. Further, what is written in small letters below the 6 o’clock marker on the dial? Very interesting piece based on what I can see.
I can almost see off center Swiss which means T<25 service dial. Judging from the silver short hands, it’s service dial and hand set.

Still a wonderful piece. Service the movement, new crystal and call it a day. Enjoy it for a life time then pass it down to your kids.
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Old 10 January 2018, 10:57 AM   #15
mrm143
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Originally Posted by themaninblack View Post
Okay and I note that it is marked fully 1958 which is correct and what would be an early case number for this reference, are you sure it’s 33xxxx, not perhaps 38xxxx? By the looks not serviced by Rolex for about 37 years. Further, what is written in small letters below the 6 o’clock marker on the dial? Very interesting piece based on what I can see.
It does have the T 25 marking and the serial could be a 38 but it’s worn from age and very tough to make out 100%
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Old 10 January 2018, 10:57 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by SubKing View Post
I can almost see off center Swiss which means T<25 service dial. Judging from the silver short hands, it’s service dial and hand set.

Still a wonderful piece. Service the movement, new crystal and call it a day. Enjoy it for a life time then pass it down to your kids.
x2!
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Old 10 January 2018, 11:27 AM   #17
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Great inheritance! congratulations. Enjoy!!
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Old 10 January 2018, 11:38 AM   #18
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Beautiful 5508, History and many of the very difficult parts still left to put back to original specifications. Tread carefully on who you let work on it. m
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