The story behind this 5508 started with a phone call, completely out of the blue. A gentleman I've never met before, called me up and said I came recommended to 'be of service' to him. So I met him the following day. After lengthy discussions about life and finding common ground on many shared passions, he pulled from his pocket this 1961 serial 5508 and said: " You can have it." I declined his generous donation/offer of course, but he insisted he wanted me to have it, to which I insisted I trade him something for it as a sign of appreciation and goodwill. After much back and forth 'insisting' on both parts, I became the custodian of his 21st birthday present, and he in turn became the new owner of the timepiece I had on my wrist that morning. I did make him a promise though, a promise that I will never part with it. As such it has no monetary value to me, instead it holds immeasurable sentimental value. As it was gifted to him by his Farther so long ago, the 'passing of the torch', so to speak, will ensure it will be used as an educational tool to allow others the enjoyment of such a significant piece of ROLEX history. That's the story. It is as unbelievable as the 5508 is beautiful. In the end, I made a new friend in a gentleman who not only had this piece of history to pass on, but a wealth of knowledge and life experiences to share. And I am all ears