THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 5512
YEAR: 1968
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
The Rolex Submariner 5512 has solidified its place in horological history as the dive watch that changed the game. In the late 1950s, Rolex was determined to outpace its competitors, particularly Omega. The result was this iconic design, featuring a larger 40mm case and, for the first time in Submariner history, crown guards. Rolex didn’t stop there; they also equipped the 5512 with a COSC-certified movement, establishing it as the ultimate state-of-the-art diving tool.
For years, the 5512 has been a favourite among collectors. This model, especially in good condition, is significantly harder to find than its younger sibling, the 5513, which debuted three years later. Scholars long speculated that the 5512's production was only about 10% of the 5513's. This was confirmed in the recent book Submariner - The Watch that Unlocked the Deep. Between 1959 and 1979, only 17,338 units of the 5512 were produced, compared to over 150,000 units of the 5513 during its run.
Despite its smaller production numbers, the 5512 saw many subtle changes over the years, including updates to its movement, dials, and crown guards. Early examples with 'square crown guards' are as impractical as they are rare. Rolex subsequently transitioned to pointed crown guards and eventually settled on the rounded crown guards, as seen on this example.
The present example is the first matte dial variation of the 5512, nicknamed 'Meters First' for its depth rating format, which lists meters before feet. The dial is pristine, while the markers and hands have developed a beautifully even, creamy patina. The original MK2 'Long 5' insert has aged to a stunning dark blue/grey hue, complementing the watch perfectly. The watch has led a relatively easy life, and its case remains full and well-preserved. It comes on the original 9315/380 bracelet.
Remarkably, the original owner retained all the accessories that came with the watch when it was purchased new in 1969, including the outer and inner boxes, booklets, anchor, original guarantee, and COSC papers. Following a recent service, the watch performs exceptionally well, running at -3 s/d with an amplitude of 274 and a beat error of 0.3 ms.
This is truly a collector's piece and would hold its own against any Rolex Submariner.