Need help with a 1962 5512 Submariner - large photos

[Mike-66]

Hello, I just received a 1962 5512 from my uncle and wanted to see if I can get a bit of help figuring out exactly what I have here. I have been into Rolex watches for a few years and currently have a Tudor 79090 and an Explorer II Polar. My uncle, knowing this, told me he had an old Sub that belonged to his father and his father either bought the watch in the Philippines or wore it while he was in the service over there. I know a little about the older Sub's but not enough to be 100% confident about really knowing this watch. The watch is in decent condition and has been sitting since the mid 70's and needs a service. The crystal was scuffed up, so I polished it out the best I could to get some photos. The distortion in the photos over the 3 o'clock marker is from a scuff on the crystal. The watch has 5512 between one set of lugs and a serial# of 765XXX between the other set of lugs. The case back cover says 162 under the 5512 on the inside. The dial is turning a brownish color and looks pretty cool in person. I have the original bracelet that is in rough condition and has my uncle's father's name engraved on the clasp. I was wondering if I can get some help on finding out exactly what this watch is. Is it rare or just a run of the mill early 60's Sub? Should I get it serviced or just leave it alone and put it away? What is the value on something like this? Any help would really be appreciated.

Cheers,

Mike

[jedly1]

looks like an honest enough 62 5512 with pointed crown guards and chapter ring exclamation dial alla s you'd expect it to be on a 7**** serial from 62.

has lost its butterfly rotor and had the hands replaced along the way at service.

value is tricky as so much relies on dial condition, and yours look OK/good but not amazing ...but then a polished glass or showing it out of the case might lift that assessment.

[Mike-66]

Originally Posted by jedly1

looks like an honest enough 62 5512 with pointed crown guards and chapter ring exclamation dial alla s you'd expect it to be on a 7**** serial from 62.

has lost its butterfly rotor and had the hands replaced along the way at service.

value is tricky as so much relies on dial condition, and yours look OK/good but not amazing ...but then a polished glass or showing it out of the case might lift that assessment.

Thank you for the quick response. Do you think I should have it serviced or just tuck it away in the condition that it is in? I really want to make sure I do the right thing with this watch and not mess it up.

[jedly1]

i'd probably get a movement service done, generally i'm a firm believer in the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' approach and only really reccommend services when a watch stops working but if its been sat for a long long time it might be adviseable ..especially if its also your intention to lay it down as service costs are nly going up and parts are getting rarer.

if you are US based probably with someone who understands vintage like Bob Ridley..he may be able to source you an Ok replacement dome glass at the same time and maybe either tint your hands or source you another set

[Mike-66]

Originally Posted by jedly1

i'd probably get a movement service done, generally i'm a firm believer in the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' approach and only really reccommend services when a watch stops working but if its been sat for a long long time it might be adviseable ..especially if its also your intention to lay it down as service costs are nly going up and parts are getting rarer.

if you are US based probably with someone who understands vintage like Bob Ridley..he may be able to source you an Ok replacement dome glass at the same time and maybe either tint your hands or source you another set

Thank you for your help, it is much appreciated.

[CaveDiver]

Are you going to wear it? How does it run now?

[Mike-66]

Originally Posted by CaveDiver

Are you going to wear it? How does it run now?

I was thinking about wearing it from time to time. It works now, but I can feel a bit of resistance when trying to manually wind it, so I quit winding.

[CaveDiver]

As Jed suggests, look to get it serviced. Whoever you use make sure they understand the value of a vintage Rolex. Jed mentioned an OK domed glass however, I thought Jed feels that 99% of the domed crystals are aftermarket passed off as Rolex. A watchmaker has showed me what he believes makes one legit, however it is not necessarily the same features that others look for. Most will also say do not go near water with a dome.
It is a nice looking watch :)

[Mike-66]

Originally Posted by CaveDiver

As Jed suggests, look to get it serviced. Whoever you use make sure they understand the value of a vintage Rolex. Jed mentioned an OK domed glass however, I thought Jed feels that 99% of the domed crystals are aftermarket passed off as Rolex. A watchmaker has showed me what he believes makes one legit, however it is not necessarily the same features that others look for. Most will also say do not go near water with a dome.
It is a nice looking watch :)

I think I would like to get it serviced just so it is in top working order. I wouldn't want anything done to the case or dial though. Service work on this watch would only be done by someone who knew exactly what it was and would use only genuine Rolex parts. I would almost prefer to keep this crystal and just have it polished out and the movement service. I wouldn't even think of getting it wet. Thank you for the compliment, it is beautiful in person.

[Rickster]

Love the watch. i would agree you should have it working so that you may enjoy it from time to time.

I'll ask the pros....Is that a replacement dial? it looks off to me.

[jedly1]

its fine ...heres another in very close serial range for comparison


http://www.network54.com/Forum/53956...+Ashley+Bowler

[PhilM]

Just a movemnent service and thats it, you will have a very nice wearable 5512

[Mike-66]

Originally Posted by jedly1

its fine ...heres another in very close serial range for comparison


http://www.network54.com/Forum/53956...+Ashley+Bowler

Cool, that looks exactly like mine!

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Rickster

Love the watch. i would agree you should have it working so that you may enjoy it from time to time.

I'll ask the pros....Is that a replacement dial? it looks off to me.

Not a replacement dial--it is correct Swiss dial.

[Mike-66]

Thank you guys for all your input. Here are a couple of photos of the clasp and bracelet. The bracelet is missing a link near the end piece and is in rough condition. Can this be restored during a service?

[destrow]

that's an incredible piece.

the inscribed clasp and rivet bracelet really make it.

and yes, you should be able to get a new link and/or have the bracelet serviced/repaired as well.

[Michael M.]

Very nice piece, looks like an early ref.5512 with a cal.1530 movement. It has a meters first gilt dial, looks like it's on a 7206 rivet! Very cool watch!

[Michael M.]

BTW: The bracelet is a 1962.

[widdler1977]

good lookin, hell of an uncle

[Mike-66]

I really appreciate all the information that has been posted here. I have been doing a little research as well and have learned a lot about this watch. Thanks TRF!

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

BTW: The bracelet is a 1962.

Are you sure Michael? How do you know?

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Are you sure Michael? How do you know?

The date code on the clasp

[etp095]

That's a great looking piece,very cool of your uncle to give it go you.I'd get the movement serviced,remember don't change the dial or hands.

[rolexpawn]

You may want to source a set of authentic vintage hands and a butterfly rotor before you take it into service.

[destrow]

I keep coming back to look at this one; very nice.

[T5AUS]

with original dial & hands and 1530 movement again without the butterfly rotor, (is that conclusive that these rotors are not what they started out with?) The pitting looks worse than it actually is, serial #818***

[HL65]

Yes---they were butterfly rotors. A lot of watchmakers switched them out at service. Mine has butterfly rotor still.....

[T5AUS]

Wow Connor, lightning reply , thanks

[HL65]

No problem--I would post some pictures of mine but they are buried deep in emails from Mr. Ridley and a pain to dig them out!!

[KarlFr]

Cool uncle, the 5512 looks great and will probably be a real stunner with ultrasonic clean and a fresh crystal