Rolex Submariner 5508 Small Crown

The Submariner 5508, also known as the "Small Crown," is one of the most iconic watches in Rolex history. Its production ended around 1962, leaving behind a series of unique dial variations, all featuring the use of tritium luminous material.

The "Exclamation" Dial

Among the most interesting versions is the "Exclamation" dial, so named for a small amount of luminous material placed under the 6:00 marker. This detail served to indicate the use of tritium, resulting in reduced radiation compared to previous radium dials. About a year later, Rolex adopted the "SWISS-<T25" industry standard for tritium dials (see our blog article: "Exclamation Point"). (Ph. ssongwatches.com)

Transition from Radium to Tritium

When Rolex began using tritium in 1959, there were no distinguishing features from the radium dials. It appears that some of these tritium dials were installed on the last examples of the Submariner 5508 in 1962, likely to maximize available supplies, a typical Rolex efficiency practice.

Technical Details

• Movement: Powered by the Rolex 1530
automatic movement
• Crystal: Uses the No. 16 crystal, the same as the Submariner 6536-1.
• Case: Featuring the "small crown," as opposed to the more famous "Big Crown" models.
• Case Back: The outer caseback is flat, with the reference number 5508 stamped inside along with the date code.

Bracelet and Clasp

Small Logo and solid rivets, manufactured by Gay Frères. The reference number 7206 was stamped on the underside of one of the links. The Submariner 5508 used "80" end links. The small logo clasp was introduced in 1958. (clasp: Gay Frères)

Made in the USA

Rolex also contracted C&I to produce bracelets in the United States, thus reducing the cost of importing Swiss bracelets. The bracelets produced by C&I were lighter and featured unmarked end links.

Rare Variants

Among the dial variations, one of the rarest is the SCOC 4 Lines, highly sought after by collectors.