Vintage watch questions, newbie ?s

[Toytruckmike]

Hello all,

I tried to find the answers using search, so pardon me if I am rehashing old info. You seem like a very friendly and patient bunch!

This seems to be a common story so here goes:
A few years ago my dad gave me his Rolex Submariner that my mom had got for him when they were stationed overseas. I think in the late 60s. I tried to determine the model, but it is worn off between the lugs, so I can't tell. I think it is a 5512, but the "Swiss Made " under the 6 marking doesn't have the t<25 on it, which is throwing me off. Also, the minute marks have a silver circle around them, which I have not seen in other pics on this forum.

I took some s o r r y pics, the crystal is very cracked so it was hard to get good pics with a instant camera.






I would like to get his watch repaired, but don't know where to go. The local AD is somewhat snooty so I prefer to use someone more friendly. I am getting mixed info about the Authorized RC in Dallas, but I am thinking they will not repair my watch since it is so old.

Condtion description: The crystal is very badly damaged, the dial face has marks from the hands turning, the luminous markings have had the minute hand mark some of them. Lastly, my dad said the original band broke and he didn't keep it, which I am reading was a big mistake. I have been wearing it for the last few days, and it seems to be working ok, although a little slow. You can assume it has not be well maintained over the years...

1st) Does anyone know what model this could be from the description I have made and the bad pics?

2nd) Should I try to get it fixed through Rolex first, or go straight to another repair facility?

I am very un-knowledgable about these watches and am very nervous about having it repaired since it has a great deal of sentimental value.

Thanks to all who can help!

Michael S.

[chevycorvette]

rolex service center bro.

[Letsgodiving]

Was the "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" added at some point or touched up? It doesn't seem to match.

[BuffaloRolex]

Hi Mike,

What a wonderful watch to have passed down to you. Congratulations!

I agree with your assessment that it's a 5512. Dial appears to be consistent with that seen here, but for that pesky, missing "SWISS - T<25." Now, the 5512 was launched in 1959 and is actually the first to have the crown guard. At this point, Radium was used as the luminous material for the hour markers and hands. It was not until 1960 that the less radioactive Tritium replaced Radium. If you have one of those first year's 5512s, then you'd likely have only SWISS written underneath the six o'clock hour marker. Can't tell from the pics if this is the case.

[BuffaloRolex]

The little dot under the six o'clock hour marker is also very interesting, as is the bracelet.

I'll be curious to hear from our experts!

[mike]

Mike,

Your watch is indeed a 5512. I'm aware of seven different dial variations for this reference (I'm sure there's more). Yours is 4 line bi-color enclosed minute track consistent with a 62-64? timeframe.
The little dot at 6 o'clock is also consistent with examples from that time frame as is the "SWISS" marking.
These are quite rare and sought after examples with pricing for an all correct reference well into five digits.

The bracelet as you state is not correct, but a replacement can be had with a bit of searching.

As you note, the watch needs servicing (I really can't tell as to the overall condition of dial due to the pic and the crystal), but certainly the amount of the service is a small fraction of the value of such a piece.

I don't think you're going to get much satisfaction from Rolex as to servicing (they would kill it anyway).

If it were my watch I would send it here,

http://www.watchmakers.com/index.html

and have Bob work his magic. Bob understands the value (both monetary and sentamental) pieces like this have.

May I say congrats on a very nice sought after reference, and one which is not only valuable, but with such a sentamental history.

[BuffaloRolex]

Originally Posted by mike

Mike,

Your watch is indeed a 5512. I'm aware of seven different dial variations for this reference (I'm sure there's more). Yours is 4 line bi-color enclosed minute track consistent with a 62-64? timeframe...

Great info...Thanks, Mike!

[Lol-x]

I agree with Mike that sending this to Rolex for servicing may yield unsatisftory results.
It is one very sought after dial that you have and so do not change that for a newer dial at all. I would not even touch the dial at all as it is a beauty.
However what you really want done to your watch is a new crystal and a mechanical servicing.
Good Luck and welcome

[Tools]

My congragulations on having such a wonderful time-piece in your family..

Good advice has been given..