Rolex

• cal. 1530 automatic movement, 25 jewels • black dial, luminescent triangular, dot and baton indexes • rotating black bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw-down crown and screw back • case, dial and movement signed • stainless steel solid Rolex Oyster bracelet and deployant clasp • box

The movement is running, however we recommend service soon. The dial is a factory replacement dial as evidenced by the 'Swiss - T<25' printing at the bottom. The hands were most likely replaced at the same time the dial was. Still, the dial is in nice, clean condition, even if it does not have the aging one might want on a piece of this age. The case is in nice condition with signs of light wear throughout. The numbers inside the back are 5508 and III.1958 and between the lugs are 5508 and 488975. Overall this is a nice example in clean condition, despite the replaced dial.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

This model, Ref. 5508, was released in 1958 and was one of the last models of the so-called 'James Bond' Submariners. The nickname comes from the fact that models similar to this, without crown guards, were frequently featured in the Bond movies. Today any Submariner without crown guards is referred to as a 'James Bond' model.

For a similar example, see Skeet & Urul, Vintage Rolex Sports Models, p. 35.