Vintage Rolex Submariner Ref 5512 Black Bezel

This 5512 is in overall great, honest vintage condition. The case is in great condition with some scratches, nicks, and normal signs of wear. The case has a slight indentation on the tip of the 11 o'clock lug. The wide bevels are still visible. The inside caseback is stamped "5512 II.61." The caseback has some scratches. The numbers are clearly visible between the lugs. The bezel ring has remained sharp and the "long 5" insert is in great condition with scratches and normal wear; the pip is a later replacement. The chapter ring dial is in great condition with some patina and light scratches/ slight imperfections that can be hard to notice. The dial has remained glossy. The hands have developed patina. The lume on the dial has developed patina and aged to a lovely and even yellow color. The lume in the hands has developed patina and aged to a similar color as the lume on the dial with darker patina around the edges. This has a 7206 bracelet with no. 80 end links and 12 links. The clasp blades are later replacements and is stamped "4 71" indicating that part is from 1971. The bracelet is in great condition with normal signs of wear and some stretch between the links which is not uncommon. The crystal has some scratches.  

Pre-owned Rolex Submariner ref 5512 circa 1961 is an important reference in Submariner history; It was the first Submariner to feature crown guards, a detail that all Subs would have going forward and still do today. Throughout the production of the 5512 Rolex made many different variations, from glossy dials to matte dials with many slight updates and changes. The 5512 may look nearly identical to the 5513 (that came out in 1962, three years later) but the main difference would be that the 5512 has the chronometer certified movement (COSC). Since the 5512 had a COSC movement, they were more expensive than the 5513 and were not as popular, we see less of them in general. The 5512s would typically have four lines of text at the bottom of the dial and the 5513 always has two; that is one good way of telling apart the references at a glance It’s not always that simple, early examples of the 5512 also have two lines of text, like the example we have here. 

This 5512 features a gilt, glossy dial with chapter ring and two lines of text at the bottom. The watch also has pointed crown guards which came directly before the standard rounded style crown guards that Rolex started using around 1964. These early 5512s are special watches and it takes a real connoisseur to appreciate these subtle details. This watch came directly from the family of the original owner who cherished it for many decades. From the well preserved "Long 5" bezel to the chapter ring dial, and Swiss rivet Oyster bracelet - this has that vintage look and feel many collectors seek out.