Lot 156
  • 156

Rolex

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Rolex
  • A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC CENTER SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH POINTED CROWN GUARDS AND GILT DIALREF 5512 CASE 6798388 SUBMARINER CIRCA 1959
  • stainless steel
  • diameter 39 mm, bracelet circumference approximately 160 mm
• cal. 1570 automatic lever movement, 26 jewels • black dial, luminescent triangular, dot, and baton indexes, luminescent Mercedes hands, center seconds, gilt outer minute divisions • stainless steel Oyster case, pointed crown guards, black revolving bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw down crown and solid case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Rivet bracelet and folding clasp

Condition

CASE Case has not been polished but is with wear, scuffing, nicks, and scratches from regular use. Lower right lug with small scratches and nicks to the face. A deep scratch to the face of the upper lug. Overall with small scratches throughout. Left side band with wear and two more prominent scratches. Bezel insert with wear and debris and some light oxidation. Bracelet stamped for USA and is later, stamped 79. Bracelet overall good condition with some light surface scuffing to clasp area. Please note between the lugs are heavily rubbed and the case number is softly legible. DIAL Dial is highly attractive. Indexes with even oxidation and some with recessing. Dial has some light scuffs, most notably towards the center of the dial in a circular pattern that can be seen under strong magnification. MOVEMENT The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Catalogue Note

We are pleased to offer an important Rolex reference in such honest and exceptionally preserved condition. The present lot survives without polish, with well delineated chamfers to the lugs, sharp pointed crown guards, and original bezel insert. The dial is remarkable, with well aged, even lumes and hands. The text is crisp and the dial remains with high shine.  The reference 5512 was introduced in 1959 as the first Submariner model to feature the now iconic protective crown guard case. Produced for roughly 15 years, the reference saw four different generations with modest variations, from the case to the dial. 

The second generation is identified by the fine gilt and silvered two line print to the dial for depth measure and title. This early example is void of signs that would indicate the use of tritium, making for an attractive and clean galvanized dial. This second series, of which the present lot belongs, also features pointed crown guards. The pointed crown guards were retired by the end of the 1960s, making this particular piece highly collectible among Rolex aficionados.