The last Submariner Rolex built without crown guards. It kept the 6mm crown and the 100 metre rating of the 6536 family but moved to the calibre 1530 of the 1500 series. Partway through its run Rolex introduced the 5512 — the first Submariner with crown guards, rated to 200 metres — and the shoulderless case never came back.
Reference record
Production
1958–1962
Model
Submariner (Small Crown)
Case material
Stainless Steel
Case size
37mm
Movement
Automatic
Calibre
Cal. 1530
Dial colours
Black
Market value band
$30k – $80k
Notable
—Rated to 100m / 330ft. From the 5512 onward every Submariner is rated to at least 200 metres.
—Both chronometer-marked and unmarked dials are documented for this reference.
What the specification implies
—Specification is a 6mm crown on a shoulderless case, with no crown guards anywhere in the reference.
—The calibre 1530 is distinct from the calibre 1030 of the earlier 6536 family.
—Chronometer wording is not constant across this reference; both marked and unmarked dials are recorded.
Common questions
When was the Rolex 5508 produced?
The 5508 was produced from 1958 to 1962.
What movement does the Rolex 5508 use?
The Rolex 5508 runs the Cal. 1530, an automatic movement.
How do I check a Rolex 5508 with Watch Safe?
Look up the watch's serial number in the Watch Safe registry to see whether a record exists or a theft flag is attached. A registry search identifies records for a specific serial; it does not authenticate the watch. Authentication is performed in person by an independent expert authenticator, and Watch Safe records and publishes the result.