Thought on this 5508 and price

[Chanakit]

Hi anyone

Would you guy give me an idea and proper price for this 5508 double silver

http://www.sheartime.com/product/195...ner-ref-5508-2

[onthedial]

@Chanakit
A tool watch of this era has typically seen a lot of sketchy things done to it over the years. Consequently you'll see wide price fluctuation based on the condition of the watch. Obviously, the least altered/most original examples bring a high premium. I'm sure others will chime in but over the past year or so I think I've seen 5508s priced between 14K - 40K. I didn't catch what Andrew sold his for (the link you provided) but it's in excellent condition, and for the lucky buyer I'm sure it was worth every penny.
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Instagram: @onthedial

[Chanakit]

My concern is how to spot if the dial is redone ?

[onthedial]

Originally Posted by Chanakit

My concern is how to spot if the dial is redone ?

There are many refinished dials, quite a few period correct service dials, and a very small number of preserved/untouched dials. How to spot a refinished dial depends on your ability to know what to look for. You'll have a huge advantage if you can inspect the watch in-hand using a loupe. You'll be at a disadvantage if you have to make a judgement based on digital images. It's not impossible but the image-files need to be large and clearly focused so you can zoom in. Also the dial should be photographed at several different angles to inspect multiple views. If the images pique your interest I would actually travel to the buyer's place of residence to inspect the watch in person, if at all possible.
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Instagram: @onthedial

[Chanakit]

Sure

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by Chanakit

Sure

I have owned few 5508's over the years.

The main things you have to look out for on these models are

crystal retaining rings- are thin on these models and known for stretching and damage over the years. the retaining ring is what holds the crystal onto the case. If you compare them to lets say a 1680 retaining ring, you will see just how thin the 5508's are.

Coined bezel- they are prone to excessive wear and tear over the years as they are brass alloy and brass is softer than steel.

dial- telling originality is becoming more difficult as the counterfeiters are becoming wiser and following the discussions on VRF and becoming hip to details.. They even make counterfeit service dials, I almost got fooled myself. almost... But, at the end of the day, a keen eye can tell the difference between 60 years of patina VS enhanced patina. Let's also not forget about font variations and often times, the "dead giveaway" of a dial that's fake vs original. There are different dial variations like exclamation point dials, ghost dials which is double silver or your standard gilt dials etc.

Case- these cases are known for being un-even and some lugs being thinner than others on a single case from the factory. Rolex had a different set of standards back in the 50's, so some cases may appear to be thinner than others, but on 5508's 6536's etc it's actually common and does not necessarily mean its been over polished.

I have always been fascinated with the first batch of the rolex sport watches from the 50's.. These were the first tool watches, however, not really well thought out in many cases, so the amount of use and abuse they went through over the years, left very few survivors.

But, I will say, if you have never strapped one on your wrist, there isn't anything like it.

These early sport models are becoming very difficult to find.

models with rolex service dials, the replacement parts still date back to the 60's and 70's etc.. So those replacement parts are still considered old vintage and still very desirable.

Original Gilt dials are of course very desirable.

In general from what I have seen, they are scarce in any form.. For every service dialed 5508 I find, I will also find a Gilt. hope this info helps.

[Chanakit]

thank you
super well-said
in order to examine watch the seller has shown me a few steps to verify if the watch is authentic. very kind of him
1. test radium Level
2.test with UV light
3. the story behind the watch

However, the only tricky thing is dial. the seller may not know either if a dial has been redone.
Yes i agreed now they have improved the technique to enhance to watch. Surely, my eyes can't tell for now if the watch been redone.

I will let you guys know after inspect the watch in person.

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by Chanakit

thank you
super well-said
in order to examine watch the seller has shown me a few steps to verify if the watch is authentic. very kind of him
1. test radium Level
2.test with UV light
3. the story behind the watch

However, the only tricky thing is dial. the seller may not know either if a dial has been redone.
Yes i agreed now they have improved the technique to enhance to watch. Surely, my eyes can't tell for now if the watch been redone.

I will let you guys know after inspect the watch in person.

you need to study dial variations from different production years. You need to train your eyes on what to know is factory and what isn't. Use the internet as much as you can to look at many original examples. Eventually, with enough reading and searching, you will catch on. But this isn't anything we can teach you based off of one thread. There are so many threads that have been written, explaining so many different things about vintage.

You just need to take the time to search for those threads and educate yourself. there is only so much we can tell you.

best of luck.

[Chanakit]

Originally Posted by SubKing

you need to study dial variations from different production years. You need to train your eyes on what to know is factory and what isn't. Use the internet as much as you can to look at many original examples. Eventually, with enough reading and searching, you will catch on. But this isn't anything we can teach you based off of one thread. There are so many threads that have been written, explaining so many different things about vintage.

You just need to take the time to search for those threads and educate yourself. there is only so much we can tell you.

best of luck.

Thank you again and for all the story and experience you contributed to this thread. I agree totally. Cant rush to buy even the seller says its a rare piece, good investment or fair price. I have done many mistake by listening to that cunning fact. Lost a thousand of dollars. I will definitely read more and keep you guys posted regarding this 5508.
Thank agiain all gents. 🙏🏻🙏🏻😊

[datejust24]

All of your threads are asking generally the same thing...it's fine to ask questions that's what everyone is here for...however ...there are many stickies at the top of the vintage section and many many other references with answers to the questions your asking..example...you just asked a question and got very sound advice and you respond with "sure".....

[onthedial]

@SubKing
Just read your post and it made me realize an important omission on my part. That is to say, besides all the refinished dials, all the service dials and the occasional preserved/untouched dial, there are many, many counterfeit dials. And like you said, the fakers are getting awfully good. The way in which the simulated "aged" dial is produced is truly uncanny, and for a prospective buyer, scary as hell. I recently read The Art of the Con (about the art world) and there are definite overlapping concerns re: high-end vintage watch collecting.
__________
Instagram: @onthedial

[Chanakit]

Originally Posted by onthedial

@SubKing
Just read your post and it made me realize an important omission on my part. That is to say, besides all the refinished dials, all the service dials and the occasional preserved/untouched dial, there are many, many counterfeit dials. And like you said, the fakers are getting awfully good. The way in which the simulated "aged" dial is produced is truly uncanny, and for a prospective buyer, scary as hell. I recently read The Art of the Con (about the art world) and there are definite overlapping concerns re: high-end vintage watch collecting.
__________
Instagram: @onthedial

Yes, im too scared to buy any gilt watch recentpy. Eps, the tropical dial. There is ao many man-made gilt. Sometimes the dial itself looks too clean to be true.