Vintage
Bill's exploration of the Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512 offers a deep dive into the nuances of early vintage Rolex collecting. His detailed account of the reference's evolution, particularly focusing on the rare 4-line gilt chapter ring and Pointed Crown Guard (PCG) variants, remains highly relevant for collectors seeking to understand the intricate history and distinguishing features of this iconic model. Bill's insights highlight why these specific configurations are so coveted and what makes them stand out in the vast world of vintage Submariners.
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
The Rolex Submariner reference 5513 is a notable example within the Submariner line, distinguished by its two-line dial and lack of a date complication. Produced for an extended period, it represents a core offering for collectors seeking a straightforward and robust tool watch. Its design emphasizes legibility and functionality, aligning with the original purpose of the Submariner series. This reference is recognized for its consistent aesthetic throughout its production run, with subtle variations in dial text and bezel inserts.
The watch features a 40mm stainless steel Oyster case, offering durability and water resistance suitable for its intended use. Powering the reference 5513 is the automatic Caliber 1520 movement, known for its reliability. The crystal is acrylic, contributing to the vintage character of the watch. The unidirectional rotating bezel, typically with an aluminum insert, allows for elapsed time measurement.
For collectors, the reference 5513 is a significant model due to its long production history and the various dial iterations, such as gilt and matte dials, which present distinct collecting opportunities. Its appeal lies in its foundational design and its position as a non-date Submariner, making it a desirable piece for those who appreciate the model's original form. The watch is often paired with an Oyster bracelet, completing its functional aesthetic.
perfect gloss and lumes. congrats!!!
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 for this piece until the 202/A was offered to me.. And of course I couldn't say no to it.. This is a superb purchase Bill.. I hope I'll be able to see yours one day.. Congrats And wear it in best health Best, Sam
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 point!!! And in superlative condition! Just an awsome specimen. I hope to be able to see it in real one of these days! Congrats and thanks for the review and the beautiful Vlad pics! Best, Matt
and a wonderful review. Thanks Bill!
with the whole shebang: pcg, outer chapter ring, four lines dial, exclamation point ! And the condition looks very very good
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 complete Vintage Dayto, a Complete Milgauss 1019, well, you git the idea, a reference in the Vintage Rolex collection. So yes, going on a 5512 like yours is a choice, a true, deep, serious decision you have to make, when you can get other very tem
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