25 Rolex Fine and Sought After, Submariner, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With Black “tropical” Gilt Dial, Reference 5512, Retailed by Serpico Y Laino

Estimate: € 20,000 –⁠ 40,000

Sold € 44,200

Model: Submariner
Reference: 5512
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1960
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1520
Case N°: 661 242
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case

Rolex launched the reference 5512 in 1959 as the next generation of the legendary Submariner line. Unlike their earlier predecessors, the new references featured crown guards, which gave this tool watches a more robust look, as well as protected the crown during diving of any unnecessary mishaps. The 5512 has a bezel with minute divisions for the first fifteen minutes and silver triangle, the dial can alternatively be mat with white signature or, like the present lot, gilt with gilt printing. The depth is rated to 200 m —660 ft, and, before 1964, the designation “Swiss” was written to the bottom of the dial. The present watch produced in 1960 as confirmed by the case numbers, impresses by its original and well-preserved condition of the stainless steel case. The ivory tone of the luminous numbers and hands harmonize perfectly with glossy black and its classic gold lettering, but it is impossible not to notice and fall in love with the brown patina that is slowly taking possession of the entire dial and the signature in the middle: the Serpico y Laino retailer. Moreover the case back is engraved by the retailer stamp too. In business since 1925 and based in Caracas, Venezuela, the famous shop has had the privilege of stamping their name on vintage Rolex watches, obtaining the exclusive right to sell it in Venezuela.