dating a 5512 sub

[dorianmaestro]

I have a fabulous sub that I am going to sell. I have tried to date it, but have found it's not that easy.
Model: Submariner 5512 with a 1.2 million serial number (no date). Problem is, I see that it is either 1964 or 1959, based on websites. I called my rolex dealer and he looked it up -- 1959 he said. I am still not sure, though, because I then saw that the word "superlative" was added later in the models. Can anyone help?

Thanks

[Lol-x]

1.2million serial number is I believe late 1964.

[dorianmaestro]

Thanks lol-x. So it could not be 1959 you think?

[Lol-x]

I don't know if the dial has been changed at some stage, but if that is the original dial, then it would not be a watch from the 1950's.

The first 5512 in the late 1950's had a gloss dial with a gilt chapter ring and without 'superlative chronometer officially certified' on the dial. That did not appear on the dials until the early to mid 1960's.

Can you show a larger photograph with the shape of the crown guards?

[dorianmaestro]

hope this helps

[dorianmaestro]

By the way, what do you think could be the selling price? It is in excellent condition. Many thanks for your help -- very kind

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

That's a great looking 5512!

As far as I know the 5512 was introduced in 1959 and was discontinued around 1978.

[dorianmaestro]

thanks for the welcome, space-dweller. Such nice people here!

[Subfiend]

It's definitely not from the 1950s. Subs did not have Crown guards in the 1950s, and the 5512 was not marked as a chronometer until the introduction of the 5513 around 1963. Also, your watch has rounded crown guards, which were introduced after 1963. therefore, I believe you have a 1964 or 1965 5512 (like me!).

Also, Rolex reset its serial numbers to zero after it hit 1,000,000 around 1958. Therefore, a 1955 watch can have the same serial number as a 1961 watch.

[dorianmaestro]

thanks subfiend -- very helpfull. Of course the differance in those years would make a huge differance to the worth.
You have one of these too? Have a picture?

[Trurolexer]

WELCOME TO TRF, Dorian!!! What A SUB!!! Too bad if you want to sell it...

[dorianmaestro]

p.s. subfiend:
as I mentioned, it is a 1.2 million serial. Yours would have to also be around that, right? Also, you would then be perfect to ask about it's worth!

[mike]

Go here and look at the dials,

http://www.network54.com/Forum/539565/

[Scarface]

Nice watch

[Subfiend]

Originally Posted by dorianmaestro

thanks subfiend -- very helpfull. Of course the differance in those years would make a huge differance to the worth.
You have one of these too? Have a picture?

Here are my vintage 5512, 5513 and 1680. I honestly don't know what these go for today, but I know the price has skyrocketed in the past year or two.

[RLX-lvr]

Originally Posted by Subfiend

Here are my vintage 5512, 5513 and 1680. I honestly don't know what these go for today, but I know the price has skyrocketed in the past year or two.

That rolex diving head gear is absolutley stunning!!!!(same with the watches by the way).

Where did you find that, and what do you think it's worth?

[unclesallie]

Originally Posted by Subfiend

Here are my vintage 5512, 5513 and 1680. I honestly don't know what these go for today, but I know the price has skyrocketed in the past year or two.

MAN ALIVE!
best,
dan

[dorianmaestro]

Well, here goes. I just listed it on ebay. Guess we'll see.
Subfiend: Super picture! Your style obviously goes further than just good taste in watches...

[Subfiend]

Thanks everyone.

I picked up the helmet on the Bay, It's authentic and cost a little bit, but not as much as the original 5512 brochures have been going for lately. There are a lot of fakes out there now. My sickness goes way beyond just collecting the watches. I am in to paraphenalia too.

From the 1962 Rolex Submariner brochure:







From the 1962 Rolex Sportsman's Handbook:

[dorianmaestro]

Your "sickness" is our gain! VERY COOL!!!!!