Rolex
Submariner, Reference 5512 | A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet | Circa 1962
Lot Closed
November 12, 01:28 PM GMT
Estimate
22,000 - 35,000 CHF
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Dial: black
Calibre: cal. 1530 automatic, 25 jewels
Movement number: 06’283
Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back
Case number: 661’331
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 210 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: original military sales receipts and credit agreements dated 1962, Rolex service receipts dated 2009 and 2010
Introduced in 1959, reference 5512 and 5513 represent the beginning of a change in the Submariner design's, introducing modernisations and features which are still present to this day. The case was completely redesigned, with the diameter increased to a more toolish and modern 40mm, and crown guards were added for durability.
Sold in 1962, the present watch belongs to one of the earlier batches of 5512 production, which can be differentiated by the pointed crown guards, glossy swiss-only dial, “tulip” coronet and lack of chronometer certification printing, though these watches were indeed certified as chronometers. With the publication of the officially authorised “Submariner” book by Nicholas Foulkes, we now know that reference 5512 was produced in extremely limited quantities, only 17,338 units. In comparison, 151,449 units of reference 5513 were produced in the same period.
The present watch was purchased by a Royal Air Force pilot while passing through RAF Khormaksar, Yemen, and bought on a military credit scheme for 820 East African Shillings and is accompanied by its original credit and sales receipts. Offered in extremely attractive condition and with exceptional provenance, this lot presents a great opportunity to own an ever-relevant Rolex reference.