Exceeded Expectations: My time with the 5512 and 5513

[Beaumont Miller II]

Until just recently, every Rolex that I had purchased had two things in common. First, they all were stainless steel, and second, they all had a date function. Every time I sign my name at work, I have to date and time my signature. For me having a watch without a date function, just didn't make sense. Well, I must tell you just how much I enjoy wearing these 2 watches. The dials on these watches are so clean and simple. What's not to love? No date function? Who needs the date on the watch when I can remember it in my head, right? With no date wheel there is no need for the cyclops on the crystal as well. The result is a very balanced look to the watch face. Furthermore, with only two lines of print, the 5513 dial looks downright spartan... like a Porsche Speedster with side curtains instead of roll up windows. If the 5512 were a car, I doubt it would even come with seatbelts. Continuing the analogy, just as every Porsche 997 can trace its roots to the 356, every 116610 with maxi case, superluminova dial and hands, white gold surrounds, and ceramic bezel insert can trace its roots to the matte dialed 5512 and 5513. Wearing them makes me think of times past when things were less complicated, where the most important thing was wearing a waterproof watch that could keep track of the elapsed time under water. Other than that not much else mattered. I know I am a little late to appreciate the attributes of these iconic watches, but better late than never. I would be interested to know if anyone else has had their expectations blown away by their vintage purchase.