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Rolex

Ref. 5512 inside caseback stamped II.60

Submariner

A highly rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with black lacquer dial, pointed crown guards and bracelet

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Launched in approximately 1958, reference 5512 was the first Submariner model to be fitted with crown guards. Its predecessors, such as reference 5508 or 6536/1 all featured a 'small crown', which Rolex deemed too delicate for a robust tool watch. While the earliest 5512s displayed square crown guards, Rolex modified the case shape by incorporating pointed crown guards, as seen on the present timepiece. Compared to its sibling reference 5513, reference 5512 had a chronometer certified movement and thus carried a movement number. This model is particularly beloved by collectors and is harder to find on the market due to its relatively lower production numbers.

An especially alluring variant of reference 5512 is one fitted with a lacquer dial, such as the present watch. Produced until approximately 1967, lacquer, or gilt dials, impress with their glossy finish and golden text which catches the light beautifully. The present dial has aged particularly well, and does not display heavy cracking or tarnishing throughout. It still retains a mirror like finish. Furthermore, the luminous material has aged evenly with the hands, and both display beautiful patina, matching even the pearl on the bezel. It is incredibly rare to find a timepiece is such unspoiled condition.

Rolex

Swiss | 1905

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.

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