Rolex Submariner

Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512 - Gilt Dial 'Four-Liner'

Straight Facts The Rolex Submariner is a true icon - and the word icon does get thrown around a lot. If you were to ask 10 people to draw you their idea of a watch looks like - chances are they would draw or describe something that looks like a Rolex Submariner. It’s the dive watch of reference good/bad/indifferent there is no escaping it. Over its 70 year run there have been numerous changes made to the model, but this 5512 represents a very interesting period in the Submariner story. The Ref. 5512 was originally sold alongside the 5513 as an up-marker chronometer certified version of the venerable dive-watch icon. During its brief run, the 5512 series moved from the gilt dials of the early 1960s to matte dials - as well as a bevy of different case and crown guard shapes. The present example hails from the early years of the 5512 production run where gilt printed dials were still in use by the brand. Gilt dials are when the lettering and fonts are punched out of the dial so that the brass ‘gilt’ color shows through creating a golden text appearance. These are not very easy to produce and were ultimately discontinued by Rolex in the later half of the 1960s as they couldn’t be produced in the same quantity as a matte dial - but nothing shines and glows like a Rolex gilt dial. These late 5512 hail from an era when the Submariner was still mostly used by people who needed the ruggedness and capability of a true sports dive watch, but was starting to gain traction with professionals who worked in office settings too - and of course after it was discontinued, all Submariner’s began to bare the ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ text on the dial. This watch is in truly outstanding condition presenting a near-flawless dial and very well preserved case. The bezel is of the ‘Long 5’ variety and while not the case with the simpler 2-line 5513 - this dial has same 4-lines of text we have come to expect from the Submariner, proclaiming its superlative chronometer status. This is a special one, and with the 70th Anniversary of the Submariner in 2023, what better way to celebrate. About The Brand Rolex is not only the most famous watch brand in the world, it is one of the most famous luxury brands ever. It is a symbol of craftsmanship and for that it has not been rivaled. From the original pocket watches to modern masterpieces, Rolex is truly a timeless watch that both aficionados and admirers alike can appreciate. The Nitty Gritty Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Submariner Ref: 5512 Year: 1966 Case Diameter: 40mm Lug Width: 20mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Condition: Lightly polished with no significant nicks or scratches Dial Condition: Exceptional, Minimal Signs of Aging, some light chipping to the lume. Movement: Rolex Chronometer Certified Calibre Bracelet: Stainless Steel Rolex Riveted Oyster Bracelet Ref. 7206 w/ 1968 date code *Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing. They are not actually on the watch or visible in natural lighting.Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512 - Gilt Dial 'Four-Liner' $ 35,400 Basic Info Listing code HN6BS6 Brand Rolex Model Submariner Year of production 1966 Condition Very good (Worn with little to no signs of wear) Scope of delivery No original box, no original papers Location United States of America, California, Los Angeles Price $35,400 [Negotiable] Availability Item is in stock Straight Facts The Rolex Submariner is a true icon - and the word icon does get thrown around a lot. If you were to ask 10 people to draw you their idea of a watch looks like - chances are they would draw or describe something that looks like a Rolex Submariner. It’s the dive watch of reference good/bad/indifferent there is no escaping it. Over its 70 year run there have been numerous changes made to the model, but this 5512 represents a very interesting period in the Submariner story. The Ref. 5512 was originally sold alongside the 5513 as an up-marker chronometer certified version of the venerable dive-watch icon. During its brief run, the 5512 series moved from the gilt dials of the early 1960s to matte dials - as well as a bevy of different case and crown guard shapes. The present example hails from the early years of the 5512 production run where gilt printed dials were still in use by the brand. Gilt dials are when the lettering and fonts are punched out of the dial so that the brass ‘gilt’ color shows through creating a golden text appearance. These are not very easy to produce and were ultimately discontinued by Rolex in the later half of the 1960s as they couldn’t be produced in the same quantity as a matte dial - but nothing shines and glows like a Rolex gilt dial. These late 5512 hail from an era when the Submariner was still mostly used by people who needed the ruggedness and capability of a true sports dive watch, but was starting to gain traction with professionals who worked in office settings too - and of course after it was discontinued, all Submariner’s began to bare the ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ text on the dial. This watch is in truly outstanding condition presenting a near-flawless dial and very well preserved case. The bezel is of the ‘Long 5’ variety and while not the case with the simpler 2-line 5513 - this dial has same 4-lines of text we have come to expect from the Submariner, proclaiming its superlative chronometer status. This is a special one, and with the 70th Anniversary of the Submariner in 2023, what better way to celebrate. About The Brand Rolex is not only the most famous watch brand in the world, it is one of the most famous luxury brands ever. It is a symbol of craftsmanship and for that it has not been rivaled. From the original pocket watches to modern masterpieces, Rolex is truly a timeless watch that both aficionados and admirers alike can appreciate. The Nitty Gritty Manufacturer: Rolex Model: Submariner Ref: 5512 Year: 1966 Case Diameter: 40mm Lug Width: 20mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Condition: Lightly polished with no significant nicks or scratches Dial Condition: Exceptional, Minimal Signs of Aging, some light chipping to the lume. Movement: Rolex Chronometer Certified Calibre Bracelet: Stainless Steel Rolex Riveted Oyster Bracelet Ref. 7206 w/ 1968 date code *Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing. They are not actually on the watch or visible in natural lighting.