2 Rolex Fine and Sought After Submariner Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 5512, With Black Gilt Dial Turning Tropical

Estimate: € 15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Sold € 15,600

Model: Submariner
Material: Stainless Steel
Reference N°: 5512
Year: 1960
Case N°: 577935
Caliber: 1560
Movement type: Automatic
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement

When thinking about the most recognizable watches in horology’s history, thoughts of hundreds and hundreds of people surely immediately go to a (usually) black graduated bezel, to a (often) stainless steel body and an always present waterproof case. The name of this unforgettable creation is simple and unmistakable: Submariner. Its history began more than 60 years ago, when the reference 6204 was presented in 1953. Followed many other important references such as the 6538 Big crown or Coroncione, the 5513 and the 1680, the first model with date indication. Rolex launched the references 5512 together with the 5513 in 1962 as the next generation of the legendary Submariner line. Unlike their earlier predecessors, the new references featured crown guards, which gave these tool watches a more robust look, as well as protecting the crown during diving of any unnecessary mishaps. The crown itself is new, no longer the 8 mm Brevet but the new 7 mm Twinlock. The 5512 features a bezel with minute divisions for the first fifteen minutes and silver triangle, the dial shows the depth rated to 660 ft – 200 m, the seconds track is closed as on the previous models but from 1965, thanks to the introduction of the new 1560 and 1570 calibres, it will become open. The lot we are pleased to offer here is a truly beautiful specimen of reference 5512. Thanks to its conservation and aging this is the type of watch which doesn’t need many presentation: the stainless steel case is well preserved such as the black graduated bezel. The dial immediately hits the observer for its beauty, the tritium indexes are very evident, the external seconds/minutes track has a very vivid color that stands out in an excellent way. The coppery Submariner signature perfectly matches the Rolex oyster Perpetual one such as the mercedes hands and the indexes. This watch is one of those objects that capture and fascinate, the perfect representation of status symbol but with a more sophisticated taste.