Rolex James Bond Submariner

About this reference

The Rolex Submariner reference 5510 was produced for a brief period between 1958 and 1959, serving as the final "Big Crown" iteration before the introduction of crown guards. Collectors prioritize this reference due to its extreme rarity, with total production estimated at approximately 300 to 600 units. It features an 8mm Brevet winding crown and a 200-meter depth rating. Internally, it utilizes the caliber 1530 movement, distinguishing it from the chronometer-rated 5512 that followed. Dial configurations typically include "gilt" printing with radium luminous plots. On the secondary market, prices generally fall within the mid-to-high six-figure range depending on original component integrity. A notable auction result occurred in 2018 when a well-preserved example sold for over $500,000. Its historical significance is tied to its use by Sean Connery in early James Bond films, cementing its status among vintage tool watch specialists.