Rolex
1972 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 5512) W/ Box & Papers
The Rolex Submariner Reference 5512 is the embodiment of the classic dive watch. The 5512 is simple yet sophisticated and rugged whilst becoming increasingly more uncommon and collectible. Ref 5512 was first introduced in 1958 and ceased production in late 1978. The Rolex reference 5512, like the 5513, is a purpose-built dive watch that lacks the date function.
The main difference between the Rolex Submariner ref. 5512 and 5513 is the caliber of the movement. Both references began life with the Rolex cal. 1530 movement, but the 5512 soon adopted the chronometer-certified cal. 1560 movement, and later the cal. 1570 movement. Shortly after its inception, and with the integration of these more advanced movement calibers, the Rolex ref. 5512 adorned the iconic 4-lines of text on the dial, in notation of its chronometer rated timekeeping capabilities. This is the 5512's only visible differentiator from the ref. 5513 and most common method collectors use to identify between the references, as the ref. 5513 is classically known for its 2-lines of text. The ref. 5512 is much rarer than the 5513, as it was more expensive to produce and not as popular for its retail price. It said that for every ten 5513's made in the 1970s one 5512 was made.
This 1972 Rolex Submariner ref. 5512 is an absolute stunner to look at, from its strong case, beautifully faded bezel insert, and it's exceptionally well-preserved dial and hands, this watch would stand proud in anyone's collection in its own right. However, this ref. 5512 is all the more impressive as it is one of the most complete examples we've seen to date. Coming from the original owner this 5512 includes all of its original accessories, including Rolex service paperwork from 2006.
| Stock # | RLXSM725512 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Submariner | |
| Model | 5512 | |
| Serial | 33XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Matte Black | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Strap | Rolex 93150 Oyster Bracelet W/ 580 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The case remains strong and symmetrical with signs of being lightly polished in the past and shows minimal signs of use. The original "fat-font" bezel insert has taken on a deep blue coloration and exhibits only very slight signs of use, the pearl at the 12 o'clock marker is a luminova service replacement. The 5513 case back is correct as Rolex would use these parts interchangeably during this era and the serial and reference numbers are clear between the lugs. The watch comes on a later Rolex 93150 Oyster bracelet with 580 end pieces, which is notated in Rolex service documents provided with the watch. The bracelet retains 12 links with very light stretch from use.
DIAL & HANDS
The matte black dial is in near flawless condition, exhibiting no blemishes or signs of aging. The tritium lume plots remain bright with only a slight ivory patina and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The original tritium hands match the dial beautifully with a slightly darker patina than the dial towards the center of the hand stack, under U.V. light inspection the sweep-seconds hand shows very minimal cracking and remains stable, the hour and minute hands show no signs of degradation.
ACCESSORIES
The watch comes complete with original inner and outer Rolex boxes, Rolex guarantee paper, booklets, chronometer seal hangtag, and Rolex service document from 2006 which notates the replacement of the bracelet. The watch was recently serviced and is running at COSC spec backed by a 1-year warranty for accurate timekeeping.