{"product_id":"rolex-submariner-small-crown-ref-5508-t-25-gilt-dial-w3689","title":"Rolex Submariner Small Crown ref. 5508 T\u003c25 Gilt Dial","description":"\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"126\"\u003eAs you might know by now — we \u003cem data-renderer-mark=\"true\"\u003elove\u003c\/em\u003e Submariners. Whether it’s a contemporary version with a gloss dial and sapphire crystal, or a vintage plexi piece with matte tritium dials — maxi dials, meters-first, or red Subs — we get warm, fuzzy feelings for all of them!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"126\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"388\"\u003eThe early versions without crown guards might just be the most distinctive of all. The so-called “Big Crowns” have an unmistakably bold presence on the wrist — that chunky case profile, the domed plexi sitting high above the dial — all combining to give a wonderfully rugged, oversized feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"388\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"681\"\u003eOn the other hand, the “Small Crown” references feel more refined, sitting flatter on the wrist — a different experience altogether, but equally cool in our book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"681\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"845\"\u003eAt hand, we have just that: an early Submariner “Small Crown,” reference 5508.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"845\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"925\"\u003eTake a look at the case on this one — especially the factory finish along the sides. We rarely use the word \u003cem data-renderer-mark=\"true\"\u003eunpolished\u003c\/em\u003e, but in this case… these hips don’t lie, baby!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"925\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1092\"\u003eThis example dates to 1959, so it would have originally been born with a “Swiss only” dial. The current dial, however, is a 1960s replacement, signed \u003cem data-renderer-mark=\"true\"\u003eSwiss \u0026lt;T-25\u003c\/em\u003e. We presume the watch went back to Rolex for service sometime in the mid-1960s and received a new dial at that time — as many did. After all, these watches were \u003cem data-renderer-mark=\"true\"\u003eused\u003c\/em\u003e, not pampered!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1092\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1436\"\u003eBy then, Rolex had already moved away from the earlier luminous materials of the 1950s, which had been restricted under Swiss law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1436\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1568\"\u003eNevertheless, this dial remains a beautiful gilt example — instantly recognizable for its glossy, mirror-like surface and warm golden printing. The term “gilt” doesn’t refer to gold leaf, but rather to the exposed brass base revealed after layers of black lacquer were applied and carefully etched away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1568\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1873\"\u003eBecause of the complexity and cost of this process, Rolex eventually switched to simpler pad printing. Yet these gilt dials possess a charm that only time can create — aging with warmth and individuality, just like the one here, even if it’s a few years younger than the case itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"1873\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2158\"\u003eOverall, this watch is in superb condition (again — look at that case!). The insert is a later addition, but beautifully matched, the dial with gilt text in a light golden hue and luminous material that’s aged to a lovely lemon tone. Another not to mention is the Submariner writing ABOVE the depth rate -this is SUPER rare , we did not recall we have seen many others !\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2158\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2531\"\u003eIt’s fitted with a stretch riveted bracelet, reference 6636 — what’s not to love?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2531\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2614\"\u003eFully serviced by our watchmaker and ready for new adventures, this cool tool watch has all the charm you’d hope for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2614\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2733\"\u003eSo, if you’re after a fantastic case, a rich gilt glow, and a dial full of character — without the fragility of 1950s lume — this might just be \u003cem data-renderer-mark=\"true\"\u003ethe one\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2733\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2887\"\u003e\u003cem data-renderer-mark=\"true\"\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2903\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"ak-ul\" data-indent-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2907\"\u003eRolex Reference 5508 Submariner “Small crown “\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2957\"\u003e38mm steel case\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"2974\"\u003eSerial 399xxx dating to 1959\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"3006\"\u003eSuperglossy”service “ gilt dial , signed “Swiss T\u0026lt;-25, , tritium zinc sulfide lume, Rare “Submariner over depth”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"3123\"\u003eFat font bezel insert\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"3148\"\u003eOyster rivet bracelet reference 6636 , spring loaded , clasp stamped '1 66” end links stamped 80\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"3248\"\u003eFully serviced by our watchmaker\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"3284\"\u003e1 year mechanical warranty\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-renderer-start-pos=\"3314\"\u003eFree worldwide Fedex Priority shipping\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57538020409689,"sku":"W-3689","price":23900.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0961\/8613\/8969\/files\/W-3689RolexSubmarinerSmallcrownref5508t25dial_174_1x1_3a5edbbe-276c-4a9c-ad7f-a4727740ee7d.jpg?v=1773223473","url":"https:\/\/bulangandsons.com\/products\/rolex-submariner-small-crown-ref-5508-t-25-gilt-dial-w3689","provider":"Bulang and Sons USA","version":"1.0","type":"link"}