Rolex Submariner (Ref. 5512) Gilt Chapter Ring Exclamation Dial W/ PCG, 1961

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The Rolex Submariner Reference 5512 is the embodiment of the classic dive watch. The 5512 is simple yet sophisticated and rugged whilst becoming increasingly more uncommon and collectible. It is said that for every five 5513s made in the 1970s one 5512 was made. Ref 5512 was first introduced in 1958 and ceased production in late 1978. The 5513 was introduced a few years later in 1962 and was in production until 1990. The Ref. 5512 like the Ref 5513 is a purpose-built dive watch that lacks the date function like other Rolex Submariner models. (eg. Ref. 1680.) The main difference between the Rolex Submariner Ref 5513 and Rolex reference 5512 is the caliber of movement within the case. The Rolex Submariner 5512 and Submariner 5513 started both out with the Rolex caliber 1530 movement but the Rolex Submariner Ref 5512, later on, was equipped with a chronometer-certified caliber 1560 and 1570 movement, bearing the chronometer writing on the dial above the 6 o'clock position AKA the 4 lines of text as opposed to the non-chronometer certified 2 liner dials of ref. 5513's which is the easy and main way to tell the difference between the 5512 and 5513 references of no date submariners This exceptional example is a juggernaut of rare dial features. The glossy, two-color gilt, chapter ring dial also features an exclamation point below the 6 o'clock marker which is era correct for 1961. Exclamation point dials were a precursor to the notable underline dial, signifying the transition from radium to tritium lume. Along with the pointed crown guard case and lightly faded fat font insert, this 5512 is a stunning and collectible example that would become a cornerstone in any great collection. Stock # RLXSM615512 Brand Rolex Style Submariner Model 5512 Serial 69XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Black 2 Color Gilt Millimeters 40 Strap Rolex 7206 Rivet Bracelet W/ 80 End Pieces CASE & BRACELET The beautiful and early pointed crown guards case has been professionally polished in the past to retain strong chamfers, crown guards, and finishing down the lugs. The original “kissing 40” bezel insert is in excellent condition, remaining deep black in coloration and shows only light signs of use with a replace matching pearl at the 12 o’clock position. The case retains its original 7mm twin-lock crown. The Rolex 7206 Oyster rivet bracelet with 58 end pieces is stamped 4/60 and retains 13 links, showing light wear and very little stretch. DIAL & HANDS The four-line, two-color glossy gilt chapter ring exclamation point dial is simply impeccable. The dial itself retains its mirror-like glossy finish which features a very light speckled patina from age that is consistent throughout the dial, and no spidering whatsoever. The gilt chapter ring and gilt text all remain bright in coloration. The original lume plots are early tritium and have aged to a lovely sandy coloration, under U.V. light inspection the lume plots remain full and round, glowing brightly and quickly fading, with almost no degradation present. The exclamation point is present, but does show degradation which is common in these dials. The original tritium gilt hands match the dial perfectly, under U.V. light inspection the hands glow bright and fade at the same rate as the dial and exhibit no degradation. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is running at spec, previous service history is unknown.