Rolex 5512 4 line gilt Chapter Ring PCG for the refined collection

Nov 18, 2015,17:55 PM
 

 

In 1958 the Rolex Submariner reference 5512 was introduced but as with Rolex nothing is an absolute fact. This reference was produced from 1958 (I can substantiate that date 58 as I have seen a 2 line 5512 with a serial number 371,xxx) and continued through 1978 with several calibers over the years.  I am sure there will be some controversy but the 1030 may also have been used in the early years.  However I have not hard facts just shifting information.   The mainstay calibers included 1520, 1530, 1560 and 1570.  I have seen several from 1961 / 62 that carried the 1560 caliber.  The 5512 did not as a rule carry the C.O.S.C. certification for its entire production, but it did have the chronometer certification in the last years of production. 

 



 

The particularity of the early models 1959 - 1962 was the Pointed Crown Guard  (PCG) and gilt Chapter ring dial.  It has been said the PCG were prototypes for the later rounded crown guard which are the one we are most familiar with.  As for the square crown guards I have only seen one in person so those are like pixie dust.  The first range of 5512 came out with a 1530 movement and did not carry the chronometer rating (Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified) on the dial the so-called 2 line writing. They later carried the 1560 and 1570 caliber with the chronometer rating on the dial the so-called 4-line writing.  Curiously, the caliber 1530 was used in both the 5513 and 5512 calibers for a time. The 5512 carried the C.O.S.C. certification while the 5513 using the same caliber did not have the chronometer certification.   I have also read somewhere that the 5513 outsold the 5512 by at least four to one. Considering it simply offered C.O.S.C. certification over the 5513 for a premium, the buyers did not see the added value.  If you add to that fact that the 5513 was produced till around 1990 you can understand the scarcity of the 5512 in comparison the 5513.

 



 



 

 

The 5512, in vintage Rolex Collecting,  has been referred to as a watch for the "refined collector".  Those words tend to stick with you and as you navigate the water of vintage Rolex you will discover how the values can double and triple and even more with small subtleties.  Rolex watches at least submariners all seem to look alike while a 5512 looks like a 5513 in many ways learn to appreciate them for what each evolution brings.  So be very careful as you navigate in search of your grail and rely on the kind help of your watch community brothers for advice.  Always do your homework first and get a good solid lay of the land before you start to ask questions. 

 



 

Last bit on anecdotal information.  Steve McQueen wore a Rolex 5512 most of his life and has been photographed many time wearing it.  However, the Rolex 1655 Freccione "Explorer II Orange Hand"  is always referred to as the so-called Steve McQueen.  He has never been photographed wearing one.  There are many stories about how that name came to be in Italy where that term was coined through some promotional reference and a movie he was playing in. The "original"  Steve McQueen 5512  (I guess this means he must have owned the watch in question) was auctioned for several hundred thousand dollars a few years ago. 

 



 

As I do not profess to be an expert, I will stop here with this simple review.  I will let the real experts chime in and give us the hard facts.  In the meantime please enjoy the pictures of the 5512 PCG Gilt Chapter ring so-called 4-line writing from 1961. The text is gold gilt and lower two lines are silver gilt script with an exclamation point at six o'clock.  Many theories on the exclamation point so I will throw one more out there.  Some of you may have seen the 5508 and 6536 where the index at 6 is lighter than the rest.  The theory there is that for diving you clearly have the 6 o'clock having different luminosity.  I would extend the same theory to the exclamation dot.  It simple helps to illuminate 6 o'clock for the divers. 

 



 

I hope you enjoy the review and the extra pictures by our good friend Nicolas.

 

Bill


More posts: 1030153015601655550855125513626536DaytonaExplorerExplorer IIFreccioneGiltOyster PerpetualOyster Perpetual DateSubmariner

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Comments: view entire thread

 

such a superb example

 
 By: kingmillo : January 8th, 2012-22:49
perfect gloss and lumes. congrats!!!

Thanks for the compliment

 
 By: Bill : January 9th, 2012-09:01
The 5512 has many variants and this is one shines. Best Bill

That is one stunning example Bill...

 
 By: i_am_Sam : January 8th, 2012-22:59
In fact, this one of my personal favorite Submariner The looks is just so subtle, but there are much more to it.. This variant is much rarer than the one with 2 line we see more often... Although also considered rare... I was once close to decide to go fo... 

5512 in this configuration is the full package

 
 By: Bill : January 9th, 2012-09:06
You are correct that the 5512 2 line is equally rare and sought after. It boils down to preference and opportunity. The same goes for the 6538 2 line vs 4 line with the grail being the 4 line. Nicolas made some comments that are telling when you consider ... 

I'm sure it looks really good in metal Bill..

 
 By: i_am_Sam : January 9th, 2012-18:06
And especially that yours seems to have a very clean dial and the case seems like in a really good shape.. Congrats again Bill.. Sam

The dial is a sight to behold

 
 By: Bill : January 9th, 2012-18:20
The lugs are nice and fat. I had the chance to compare the same model side by side and the was a lot more meat on the lugs but without a sister watch to compare it against you can't appreciate it as much. It is those little things that add up when you are... 

Wow Bill! you are unstoppable!!!

 
 By: MattS : January 8th, 2012-23:43
This looks like the most full option crown guard Sub possible! And one knows what ticking every extra box means in terms of Rolex collectability!!! So this one has it all, on top of being the rarest 5512! 4 lines, gilt dial, chapter ring, PCG, exclamation... 

This is as good as it gets...

 
 By: fernando : January 9th, 2012-03:01
and a wonderful review. Thanks Bill!

Wow ! The holy grail of 5512 !

 
 By: DrStrong : January 9th, 2012-03:24
with the whole shebang: pcg, outer chapter ring, four lines dial, exclamation point ! And the condition looks very very good

Everything plus the kitchen sink

 
 By: Bill : January 9th, 2012-09:08
Thanks Jeff for the kind compliment. I guess I can tick off the 5512 category as objective achieved. The dial is so glossy that you can see your own reflection in it. A prime example. Thanks

" For the refined collection ".

 
 By: amanico : January 9th, 2012-04:22
That is perfectly put, Bill. A 4 lines 5512, gilt, chapter ring, and " cornino " is not what I would qualify as affordable. For this amount of money, you can also get a full set 1675 Gilt underline double swiss, a 6542, 6538 ( service dial, though ), a co... 

Words of wisdom

 
 By: Bill : January 9th, 2012-09:12
As always Nicolas thoughtful commentary and insight from you. On the 1958 start I am hunting for a picture to show the 5512 2line I saw with a very earl serial number that puts it at 1958. This was the only evidence I could find that I did see with my own... 

Monsieur, enfin! He told you 1958 ;-)

 
 By: PoyFR : January 9th, 2012-22:28
I too remember seeing a couple 5512 from 1958, and one in particular complete box and paper. As I did not keep their data I could not prove this to you with personal material. However, here is a 5512 with a 1.2 serial number. The dial was replaced on serv...  

Why I am surprised...

 
 By: amanico : January 9th, 2012-22:36
1958 was the year of the launch of the 5510, the 6538 and the 5508 were still in the catalog. For me, the crownguard on a Sub appeared one year later, as it was the case for the GMT. But you never know, with Rolex! Best, and thanks for your input, POY! Ni... 

Beautiful watch Bill!!!

 
 By: renerod : January 9th, 2012-09:20
Pure rolex, simple tool watch, with history, made to last it's owner, and a few more! Keep posting Bill. Have a good week begining. Best. René

A workhorse indeed

 
 By: Bill : January 9th, 2012-11:27
The Rolex Submariner category is full of dimensions to meet the need of every enthusiast, amateur and collector. I glad you enjoyed the post. Bill

Very much Bill

 
 By: renerod : January 9th, 2012-12:16
Thank you and please, keep posting more! Best. René

Many thanks - It is a standout

 
 By: Bill : January 9th, 2012-15:40
Even better in person. Thanks

Wow...that is a beauty.. [nt]

 
 By: Rolex_Sub : January 10th, 2012-03:37
No message body

Smoking hot !

 
 By: cisco : January 10th, 2012-04:24
The gilt dial and the pointed crown guards are a deadly combination on a vintage Rolex, GMT or Sub. Beautiful vintage cheers Francois

Not familiar about, but can appreciate...

 
 By: patrick_y : January 10th, 2012-09:57
Admittedly, I'm not very familiar about gilt-dialed Submariners, as my experience is very limited to red-line varieties. But your description and photos (including amanico's photos) truly highlight the unique design behind this watch. Thank you for the in... 

You will fall, one day. ;)

 
 By: amanico : January 10th, 2012-09:58

Vintage, the most dangerous game... [nt]

 
 By: patrick_y : January 10th, 2012-09:59
No message body

Always a pleasure to share

 
 By: Bill : January 10th, 2012-17:24
Happy New Year to you. I am sure we will bump into each other soon. Best Bill

5512 is a Great Classic...

 
 By: eparisini : January 11th, 2012-03:14
and yours is in Stunnig conditions. BIG CONGRATS

Many thanks

 
 By: Bill : January 11th, 2012-11:21
The 5512 is known as much as some of the other icons but the early gilt 5512 are rather special for the collectors. Bill

Wonderful watch...

 
 By: Anatol : January 11th, 2012-11:31
...and most certainly my very favorite Rolex Submariner! I am still looking for such a beautiful specimen. In the meantime I have to console myself with this one.. ...  

That is more than a...

 
 By: Bill : January 11th, 2012-11:47
That is more than a consolation. Great example you. It should keep you happy for a long time.

Bill, that is one STUNNING piece

 
 By: Topcat30093 : June 15th, 2012-00:47
I make no excuse for resurrecting this old post. In fact I love reading the information provided as well seeing the gorgeous photos, that I have saved the link to my favourites :) Having recently just started out on the vintage trail and getting myself, t...  

5512 from 1959

 
 By: Bill : June 15th, 2012-05:02
There was a 5512 with a 2 line dial in 1959. It had the rare eagle beak crown guard with a serial 478,xxx which housed a 1530 movement. The 1530 would be a non chronometer movement as opposed to the 1560 / 1570 which are both chronometer rated. This parti...  

Another 5512

 
 By: syl1 : November 19th, 2015-08:30
My 5512 says hello. I am new to this and had this for a few years. It has pointed crown guards. Is this another variation? ...  

Welcome to the club. What is the serial number range.

 
 By: Bill : November 19th, 2015-08:38
It is hard to tell if it is pointed crown guard or just the angle of the picture. The dial like this would not be in a pointed crown guard in any case. Looking forward to hearing more. Bill

Thanks Bill..and good to learn from experts.

 
 By: syl1 : November 19th, 2015-09:09
I don\'t have tools to open the watch so can\'t tell the serial no. You have a beautiful specimen. ...  

My best guess Official Rolex Service

 
 By: Bill : November 19th, 2015-10:30
Your watch does look like a pointed crown guard which is not consistent with the dial installed. However, based on what appears to triplock Rolex crown it appears this watch was serviced by a Rolex service center that overhauled the watch an replaced the ... 

Thank you Bill..

 
 By: Syl2 : November 21st, 2015-21:57
I am currently in Dubai with this (hope it\'s Ok to have this picture in a Rolex forum) and will check the serial no when I get back.. ...  

Hello Bill! Superb report and photography as usual in your posts. Not to mention that your 4 lines 5512 is an stunning example. You say...

 
 By: Subexplorer : November 24th, 2015-07:20
... for the "refined colection", and completely agree with your words. An example like yours -four lines and chapter ring- is my grail which if I can finally find it could allow me to declare completed my Submariner theme in my collection. I wish some day...