Rolex Submariner 5512

Rolex

Manufacturer Rolex Year Circa 1960 Reference No 5512 Movement No 74’129 Case No 554’584, inside caseback stamped “5512, III.60” Model Name Submariner “Pointed Crown Guards” Material Stainless steel Calibre Automatic, cal. 1530, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet, endlinks stamped “65”, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped “1.60” Dimensions 40mm diameter Signed Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Good To Know: - Pointed Crown Guards, only existed from 1959 to mid 1960s - Excellent condition of the dial consist of a silvery printed depth rating alongside the gilt Submariner font In 1959, Rolex marked a significant advancement with the reference 5512, which was the first to feature crown guards. This addition provided a more robust aesthetic and enhanced protection for the crown against damage, setting the design standard for future models. Early examples of this reference displayed some intriguing variations in crown guard design. As the crown guards evolved, different iterations acquired their own nicknames and dedicated followings. The earliest examples were square-shaped, and it is estimated that very few remain. It is believed that criticism of the bulky square crown guard led Rolex to modify existing cases, resulting in the “eagle beak” crown guard design. Eventually, Rolex produced cases with more discreet pointed crown guards (often abbreviated as PCG), as seen in the present example. These early Submariners featured stunning black glossy dials and typically displayed either two or four lines of text at 6 o'clock, with gilt printing in silver or gold (or both). By the late 1960s, the crown guards transitioned to a rounder design that continues to be used today. The present Rolex Submariner ref. 5512 boasts a silvery printed depth rating alongside the gilt Submariner font. Featuring pointed crown guards from around 1960 and a serial number of 554’XXX, this watch is a fine example of an early ref. 5512.