243 Rolex Extremely Well Preserved and Sought After, Submariner, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, “Eagle Beak” Crown Guards, With Black Gilt Dial, Reference 5512

Estimate: €50,000 –⁠ 100,000

Model: Submariner
Reference: 5512
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1959
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1530
Case N°: 478 199
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

Rolex launched the reference 5512 in 1959 as the next generation of the legendary Submariner line. Unlike their earlier predecessors, the new references featured crown guards, which gave this tool watches a more robust look, as well as protected the crown during diving of any unnecessary mishaps. These crown guards at the beginning are different and a little bit short and pointed called “Eagle Beak” as in the present lot, later they will be more robust and squared. The 5512 has a bezel with minute divisions for the first fifteen minutes and red triangle, the dial can alternatively be matte with white signature or, like the present lot, gilt with gold printing. The depth is rated to 200 m = 660 ft, and, before 1964, the designation “Swiss” was written to the bottom of the dial. The present watch produced in 1959 as confirmed by the case numbers, impresses by its original and well-preserved condition of the stainless steel case. The dial immediately hits the observer for its beauty, the radium indexes are very evident, the external chapter ring for seconds/minutes track has a very vivid color that stands out in an excellent way. The coppery Submariner signature perfectly matches the Rolex oyster Perpetual one such as the Mercedes hands and the indexes. This watch is one of those objects that capture and fascinate, the perfect representation of a status symbol but with a more sophisticated taste.