1977 Rolex Submariner non-date?

[ep1072]

I located this watch from a local shop. Elderly lady brought it in and wants to sell it. It keeps excellent time but it's DIRTY!. I took a few pics with my Iphone. Serial number is 5367238 and the other side reads Registered Design with a 552 stamp. I could be wrong on the 552, hard to read.
Here are some terrible Iphone pics. Does the Triplock look right, I didn't see the rubber O ring? Let me know what you think. I'm thinking about buying it.
What's a fair price for this watch.

[padi56]

Well it look like a meters first 5512 and they were only twinlock crowns from that time period as for prices I don't quote prices but its could be quite a valuable watch.Could you post some better pictures of dial,bracelet, case back etc

[ep1072]

I will get more pictures on Tuesday.

[ep1072]

So this model will not have the o-ring on the triplock like modern subs. I'm a novice when it comes to Rolex, I just don't want to buy a fake.

[bscepter]

the SN indicates '77, but is that gilt lettering? i thought that was something you only saw on watches from the 60s or earlier.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by ep1072

So this model will not have the o-ring on the triplock like modern subs. I'm a novice when it comes to Rolex, I just don't want to buy a fake.

Thats correct.

[ep1072]

What markings should I look for on the stainless bracelet to make sure it's the orginal.
thanks again

[padi56]

Originally Posted by ep1072

What markings should I look for on the stainless bracelet to make sure it's the orginal.
thanks again

Bracelet ref 9315 end link 280 or ref 93150 end link 580 the very early first 5512/3 ones had bracelet ref 7206 end link 80.

[ep1072]

Originally Posted by padi56

Bracelet ref 9315 end link 280 or ref 93150 end link 580 the very early first 5512/3 ones had bracelet ref 7206 end link 80.

Thanks for the info.

[storm66]

Looking at the pic,you can see the bracelet,looks like a replacement 93150 (more modern bracelet) nothing wrong in that!......it's a meters first 'Gilt' dial so may be around 1million serial....you could have missed the 1 at the start of the serial number........post it in the vintage section,let the experts advise

[ep1072]

I will double check the numbers on Tuesday. The watch was very dirty, friend took the bracelet off and had to scrape away the filth to see the serial number. Gross!

[ep1072]

Moderator/Admin can you please move to the vintage section or I can repost there.

[anothernewphone]

What's the asking price for the watch?

[ep1072]

I think it will be around the $3500-3800 range. I could be wrong though.

[Shade]

The crown looks proper, no gasket on it. However the printing seems to be very faded, perhaps a wrong pic angle?

[ep1072]

Is the $3500-4000 price range out of line, pending its authenticity.

[datejust24]

Originally Posted by ep1072

Is the $3500-4000 price range out of line, pending its authenticity.

If everything checks out and that's all she wants for it I'd say you did alright

[Robbyvm]

that's a bargain !! ... if it turns out to be a correct 5512 gilt four liner

[ep1072]

What is the "gilt" dial? I'm trying to find a side by side comparison that shows the difference.

[Mark020]

Something like this but without the outer circle.

[ep1072]

So the "gilt" dial has hash marks only.

[Beaumont Miller II]

Maybe I can help. The picture posted above my post is my watch. Rolex watches from the 50's to the mid 60's had a gilt gloss dial. Gilt refers to the gold paint for the print and gloss refers to the beautiful shine left after the black lacquer paint dried.
Your dial I would guess is probably from a 5512 circa 1964 to 1965. I say this because your dial does not have a chapter ring (the outer ring that connects the minute track) which is seen in '62 and prior. I don't see an underline on the dial which are typically seen on around '63. The tritium on the dial should look like "puffy" lume. The dial on the watch in question appears to have some lume issues which is common to dials produced in '64 and '65.
As mentioned earlier your dial is not correct for the case, the serial 5.3 puts it around '77. It is not uncommon to find a case with a later dial in it. This was a commonly done at service by Rolex when a damaged dial was replaced; however the watch in question has an earlier dial in a later case. So, a more probable scenario is that a watchmaker at some point married an early dial to a later case, found some hands and movement and made a watch. The Triplock crown from '77 without the "O" ring is not a concern. Hope this helps.

[ep1072]

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

Maybe I can help. The picture posted above my post is my watch. Rolex watches from the 50's to the mid 60's had a gilt gloss dial. Gilt refers to the gold paint for the print and gloss refers to the beautiful shine left after the black lacquer paint dried.
Your dial I would guess is probably from a 5512 circa 1964 to 1965. I say this because your dial does not have a chapter ring (the outer ring that connects the minute track) which is seen in '62 and prior. I don't see an underline on the dial which are typically seen on around '63. The tritium on the dial should look like "puffy" lume. The dial on the watch in question appears to have some lume issues which is common to dials produced in '64 and '65.
As mentioned earlier your dial is not correct for the case, the serial 5.3 puts it around '77. It is not uncommon to find a case with a later dial in it. This was a commonly done at service by Rolex when a damaged dial was replaced; however the watch in question has an earlier dial in a later case. So, a more probable scenario is that a watchmaker at some point married an early dial to a later case, found some hands and movement and made a watch. The Triplock crown from '77 without the "O" ring is not a concern. Hope this helps.

Thanks!
Hopefully, I will have better photos posted tomorrow.

[ep1072]

[datejust24]

Need better pics of the dial..a straight on close up shot if possible

[ep1072]

I will have better pics tomorrow. I plan on buying it tomorrow.

[datejust24]

sooo....i've been waiting to read the update on this since monday...whats the verdict?

[ep1072]

Originally Posted by datejust24

sooo....i've been waiting to read the update on this since monday...whats the verdict?

I bought the watch. I started a new thread with some better pics.

[ctek]

Which thread buddy ?? Keen to follow story ..

[ep1072]

Originally Posted by ctek

Which thread buddy ?? Keen to follow story ..

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=295994