Geneva, Nov 06, 2022

LOT 438

ROLEX, REF. 5512, SUBMARINER, SPIDER DIAL, SQUARE CROWN GUARD, STEEL

CHF 100,000 - 150,000

EUR 104,000 - 156,000 / USD 100,000 - 150,000 / HKD 790,000 - 1,180,000

A very fine and extremely rare, self-winding, stainless steel diver's wristwatch with square crown guard


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 3 *
Dial: 3-12-01

Good

Worn

HANDS Original

Brand Rolex, Switzerland

Model Submariner

Reference 5512

Year 1959

Case No. 477999

Bracelet stainless steel Rolex riveted bracelet with big logo dated 59, approx. overall length 167 mm.

Diameter 40 mm.

Caliber 1530, 25 jewels

Signature Dial, case and movement signed

Notes

ROLEX introduced reference 5512 in 1959 to substitute for Ref. 5510 and 6538, starting with a 478.xxx serial number. The most important features of the new reference were a new wide graduated revolving bezel for the decompression times, a smaller winding crown (from 8 to 7 mm.) and a protected winding crown called the "crown guard". The earliest models featured square type guards; approximately 50 examples of Ref. 5512 were tested by professional divers. It came out that this type of crown guard was not easy to use while wearing professional diver's gloves and Rolex stopped production. To the best of our knowledge, a few dozen Ref. 5512 with square guards were made, starting with serial number 477.9xx, and only in 1959. Only a few examples have appeared on the market. Due to its rarity this model is much sought-after by Rolex collectors.