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From the Library
The Details
Condition
Excellent
Box
No
Case Size
40mm
Material
Steel
Year
1963
Papers
Yes
Dial Color
Black
Movement
Automatic
Condition
Excellent
Case Size
40mm
Year
1963
Dial Color
Black
Box
No
Material
Steel
Papers
Yes
Movement
Automatic
$58,999
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Coral Gables, FL
Description
It doesn't get better than this. We call this 5512 The Black Panther Dial. Few vintage Rolex sports watches have had the lasting influence of the Submariner reference 5512. Introduced in 1959, the reference marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Rolex's professional dive watch, debuting the now-iconic 40mm Oyster case together with protective crown guards—features that would define the Submariner for generations. Today, the 5512 is regarded as one of the most important and elusive references in the Submariner lineage. An important point of distinction is its remarkably limited production: only 17,338 examples of the Submariner reference 5512 were manufactured, compared to 151,449 examples of the reference 5513. How many of the 17,338 examples remain in this condition? Prior to its introduction, Submariners were produced without crown guards, leaving the winding crown exposed to accidental impacts. The 5512 addressed this with the addition of integrated crown guards, an innovation that quickly became synonymous with the model. During production, the design progressed through three distinct configurations: the earliest square crown guards, the elegant pointed crown guards—known among collectors as PCG or Cornino—and, from 1964 onward, the familiar rounded crown guards that remain characteristic of the Submariner today. The reference also evolved mechanically. Early examples, including this watch, were fitted with the non-chronometer calibre 1530 and distinguished by their clean two-line gilt dials. This example has since had its hairspring upgraded to a Rolex Parachrom hairspring. Beginning in 1962, Rolex introduced the chronometer-certified calibres 1560 and later 1570, accompanied by the familiar four-line dial bearing the "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" designation. Consequently, early two-line examples such as the present watch are encountered far less frequently and are among the most desirable executions of the reference. The present example dates to early 1963 and retains its highly desirable pointed crown guard case. Of particular significance is its original gilt chapter ring dial with the coveted "Exclamation Point" configuration, identified by the small lume plot positioned beneath the six o'clock marker. Over the decades, the dial has developed an attractive tropical, speckled brown, galaxy style pattern and coloration, lending the watch exceptional character and individuality. The original tritium lume has aged to a rich custard patina that harmonizes beautifully with the warm gilt printing. The luminous material reacts uniformly under UV light. The winding crown has been upgraded to a later Triplock specification. The case remains notably full with strong proportions, while the original Mk 1 "Long 5" aluminum bezel insert has aged to an attractive mid-blue hue, providing a pleasing contrast to the warm tones of the dial. Completing the watch is its original C&I U.S.-made riveted Oyster bracelet, stamped 1-62, corresponding to a January 1962 manufacture date—an appropriately period-correct accompaniment to this early pointed crown guard Submariner. Further enhancing the appeal of this 5512 is its military provenance. Accompanying the watch is a copy of a Rolex service document dated 1964, addressed to a Staff Sergeant and delivered to an Army Post Office.
