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Lot Essay
This rare example of the seldom seen reference 5510 shows few signs of intervention over its 65 year existence. Indeed, the extremely attractive black lacquer dial shows the “spider” lines, so-called because of the crisscrossing of light cracks and crazing throughout its entire surface. Like the colour change of tropical dials, this characteristic is due to natural ageing, amplifying both the collectability and vintage aesthetic impact of the timepiece. The luminous material of the indexes and hands is evenly discoloured, showing an attractive parchment tone, further enhancing the appeal of this rare ‘big crown’ Submariner.
The present timepiece is a most appealing example of this rare reference, distinguished by its overall very original condition, including the correct "Brevet" crown, gilt hands and the bezel with small triangle and minute markers between 1 and 15. The riveted bracelet dates from 1965, however it retains the ‘58’ endlinks, correct for the period and the model.
Submariner 5510
In production for one year only, 1958, reference 5510 is one of the rarest "big crown" Submariners, and among the most sought-after vintage Rolex sports watches. The combination of the very large 8 mm. crown and the lack of crown guards make it one of the most immediately recognizable of Submariner models. The black dial can be regarded as the ultimate state of the art in dial manufacturing of the period, revealing a rich complexity of different layers applied to the metal base.
The present timepiece is a most appealing example of this rare reference, distinguished by its overall very original condition, including the correct "Brevet" crown, gilt hands and the bezel with small triangle and minute markers between 1 and 15. The riveted bracelet dates from 1965, however it retains the ‘58’ endlinks, correct for the period and the model.
Submariner 5510
In production for one year only, 1958, reference 5510 is one of the rarest "big crown" Submariners, and among the most sought-after vintage Rolex sports watches. The combination of the very large 8 mm. crown and the lack of crown guards make it one of the most immediately recognizable of Submariner models. The black dial can be regarded as the ultimate state of the art in dial manufacturing of the period, revealing a rich complexity of different layers applied to the metal base.