Introduction
Debuting in 1953 and released to the public the following year, the Rolex Submariner has undoubtedly become one of the most iconic timepieces of all time thanks to its legendary status as Rolex's flagship dive watch. Used extensively by the British Royal Navy and professional diving operations like COMEX, the Submariner set the bar for all dive watches to follow. Featuring a genuinely timeless design that has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history, this Rolex has become the archetypal sports watch. With very few large-scale aesthetic upgrades made to it over the years except for timely advancements like introducing a date function to the collection in the late '60s, and its modern cerachrom bezels, the Submariner is seen as the prototypical dive watch thanks to its consistency. The Submariner has earned its status as a legendary watch, with it today remaining as one of the most sought-after timepieces around.
Often thought of as the quintessential Rolex Submariner, the ref. 5512 is one the longest continually running Submariner references, with almost 20 years of production under its belt. Released in 1959 and discontinued in 1978, the ref. 5512, was the chronometer-certified counterpart for the ref. 5513. Rolex being a far cry from the brand we know and love today, they ran the ref. 5512 and the ref. 5513 together to appeal to as many customers as possible. With its chronometer-certification, the ref. 5512, was more expensive at retail and as such, sold fewer units than the ref. 5513 meaning it is a relatively rare watch even considering its long production run. Like most new releases, when the ref. 5512 was released it included some design changes from the references it replaced. These changes ultimately turned the Submariner into the tool watch we know today. Among these changes were heavier hash markings on the bezel for improved tactility, bevelled lugs for better wear on the wrist and the addition of crown guards to protect the winding crown - all making the Submariner ref. 5512 an improved version of the references it replaced and continuing the Submariner’s journey as the diving industry’s golden standard of dive watch.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$18,000 – $20,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Submariner
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
5512
Bracelet
Stainless Steel Riveted Oyster bracelet
Year
1967
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless Steel
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Printed specifically for the ref. 5512, this example features the "neat font" dial, which indicates that its meters first depth rating, Submariner branding, and two lines of SCOC text were all printed at once. This was instead of the SCOC text being added after the dial was produced without it, which yielded varying results.
THE CONSTRUCTION
With its unique aged "Ghost" bezel, the construction of this example is full of character and utterly unique to this timepiece in line with its patter of use and over the decades.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Overall condition of the watch is excellent. Dial and hands have matching zinc sulfide/ tritium luminous that glow when exposed to bright light. Bezel has faded to a beautiful bluish tone. There are some abrasions to the insert, notably at 0 and 20. Case shows sharp and well defined chamfers and thick lugs, the result of a case recutting by Los Angeles Watchworks to mimic that of a factory fresh watch. Crystal on this watch is an original Rolex Tropic that has been reprofiled to look like a superdome crystal. Crown is original twinlock version. A total of 12 links on the 7206 rivet bracelet with 80 endpieces. Clasp is dated 1968.
Our Perspective
An essential step in the Submariner's journey, the ref. 5512 established chronometer specification as the collection's standard and added crown guards to the case, a now crucial element of its form and function.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
