Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Monaco, Jul 21, 2021

LOT 418

Rolex
Ref. 5512, Self-Winding, Centre-Seconds; “Underline Explorer” Dial; “Submariner”; Stainless Steel

EUR 90,000 - 130,000

USD 108,000 - 156,000 / HKD 830,000 - 1,200,000

Fine and extremely rare, stainless steel, self-winding, tonneau-shaped, diver’s wristwatch, pointed guard, black colour “underline Explorer” dial, with centre-seconds.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 3*-10

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Patinated

Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex, Geneva

Model Submariner

Reference 5512

Year 1961

Movement No. D 70 093

Case No. 661 605

Diameter 40 mm

Caliber 1560

Signature dial, case and movement

Notes

* please note that, in case of exportation, a licence and a passport of exportation will be needed at the buyer's expense

The first Rolex Submariners were launched by the manufacturer in 1953, but were not presented in shops until 1954 after being displayed at the Basel Fair. The first three references are 6200, 6204 and 6205. The 5512, produced from 1959 to 1978, precede the 5513, produced from 1962 to 1989. In contrast to the 5513, the 5512 has a "COSQ" certified chronometer movement.

Reference 5512, was the first Submariner to feature the iconic guards protecting the crown. This configuration makes the watch much more resistant, establishing the Rolex Submariner as a true diver's wristwatch. These guards have undergone various improvement from "square", "eagle beak" to "pointed crown guard" also called "cornino" by the Italian aficionados. In this case, this watch is one of the very first Submariner watches to be equipped with "PCG", short for “pointed crown guard”.

The first 5512 models have 2 lines, like the one we are presenting, then 4 with the addition of the words "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified". However the so-called “Explorer dial”, that is to say a “3,6,9 dial”, increases even more its value. These dials were produced only at the beginning of the 1960’s and were initially intended for some of the first Submariner “Big Crown”, and it is extremely rare to find one fitting a ref. 5512.

All these features combined makes this watch is a true grail for all collectors.