Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1965 Reference No: 5512 inside caseback stamped III.62 Movement No: D26'466 Case No: 1'215'288 Model Name: Submariner "Four Liner" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 26 Jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 2.65 Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex chronometer certificate dated January 21, 1965 and presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1959, reference 5512 is today one of the most sought-after Submariner references on the market. Extremely rugged, it differed from its predecessors reference 5508 or 6536/1 as the model was fitted with crown guards. The case was slightly enlarged from earlier models and gave a bigger presence on the wrist. While the earliest examples featured square crown guards, later generation models, such as the present watch displayed rounded crown guards. Compared to its sibling reference 5513, reference 5512s were fitted with chronometer movements.
The present watch is a beautifully preserved specimen. It is distinguished by its original condition. Displaying full proportions, it still retains bevels on the case. The present watch displays a well-preserved lacquer dial that bears "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified " - these examples are known as "four liners" and are particularly sought-after by collectors. Most impressively, it is offered with its original chronometer certificate and presentation box, adding another layer of desirability. Furthermore, the bracelet is stamped for 1965 and corresponds with the year of manufacture.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
Ref. 5512 inside caseback stamped III.62 A rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date, center seconds, black lacquer dial, bracelet, chronometer certificate and presentation box
Circa 1965 39mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed