Circa: 1959
Ref: 5512
Case Number: 477973
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimension: 40 mm in diameter
Dial: Glossy black dial with gilt printing. Printed hour markers with radium. Triangle shaped hour marker at 12; 3, 6, and 9 have stick shaped hour markers; and dot shaped hour markers at the rest.
Bracelet Material: Rolex rivet style in steel
Bracelet Size: 7"-7.75"
Movement: Automatic
Functions: Time, rotating dive bezel
Caliber: 1530
We have the pleasure to present to collectors one of the most rare versions of the Rolex Submariner, the reference 5512 with square crown guards. The reference was 5512 was launched in 1959 to replace earlier small and big crown submariners without crown guards. The crown guards were added as a way to protect the crown from impact that could damage the stem and tube, resulting in water damage to the watch.
It is thought that less than 100 examples of the 5512 Submariner were produced with square crown guards. After complaints from customers about damage to diving wet suits by the crown guards, Rolex quickly shaved the guards to produce what are called "pointed crown guards", though these were also replaced two years later by the crown guards we see today, referred to as round crown guards.
The reference 5512 is already a rare collector item: it was officially certified chronometer, meaning the Swiss government noted it met its accuracy requirements, as compared to the reference 5513 which was less expensive, produced in greater numbers, and was not certified a chronometer. This is an opportunity to own an already rare and beautiful example, made even more rare by the presence of square crown guards.
Condition
Dial maintains its glossy finish with very fine cracks in the surface lacquer. Hands in very nice condition. Luminous material in the dial and hands appears intact, original to the watch, and has aged to a beautiful creamy color. The case exhibits scratches and wear throughout, consistent with age and regular wear. Case lightly polished with beveled edges on the lugs worn but still clearly apparent. Square crown guards in very nice and crisp condition. Movement running at time of cataloging. Overall in extremely nice vintage condition.
Any reference to condition in a condition report will not include a full description of condition, and for example, may not specify all faults, alteration, adaptation, mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, or dial. Colors and shades may look different online or in printed materials than they look on physical inspection, and images may not clearly show the condition of a lot. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot in person and make their own evaluation of the lot. They must understand that any statement made by Fortuna Auction LLC ("Fortuna") is merely a subjective, qualified statement and does not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Fortuna. All dimensions in catalog descriptions are approximate. No warranties are made that watches in water-resistant cases are currently water-resistant. Fortuna does not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets or leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
Pre-owned watches, unless still in original packaging or never worn, will likely have some degree of wear and scratches. This should be expected for many of the watches offered in auction. Even if a watch is running and keeping time, bidders and buyers should expect that all movements will require maintenance. Fortuna recommends that all successful buyers promptly take their watches to a professional watchmaker for evaluation.
Prospective buyers should also refer to any notices as well as the Conditions of Sale in Fortuna's print catalogs and made available on its website, digital bidding platform, and other third-party digital bidding platforms. Please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, including but not limited to customs regulations, duties, and lots incorporating materials from endangered species. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DESCRIPTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY FORTUNA, THAT ANY OF THE LOTS FOR SALE ARE MERCHANTABLE OR SUITED FOR ANY PURPOSE.
Any reference to condition in a condition report will not include a full description of condition, and for example, may not specify all faults, alteration, adaptation, mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, or dial. Colors and shades may look different online or in printed materials than they look on physical inspection, and images may not clearly show the condition of a lot. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot in person and make their own evaluation of the lot. They must understand that any statement made by Fortuna Auction LLC ("Fortuna") is merely a subjective, qualified statement and does not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Fortuna. All dimensions in catalog descriptions are approximate. No warranties are made that watches in water-resistant cases are currently water-resistant. Fortuna does not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets or leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
Pre-owned watches, unless still in original packaging or never worn, will likely have some degree of wear and scratches. This should be expected for many of the watches offered in auction. Even if a watch is running and keeping time, bidders and buyers should expect that all movements will require maintenance. Fortuna recommends that all successful buyers promptly take their watches to a professional watchmaker for evaluation.
Prospective buyers should also refer to any notices as well as the Conditions of Sale in Fortuna's print catalogs and made available on its website, digital bidding platform, and other third-party digital bidding platforms. Please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, including but not limited to customs regulations, duties, and lots incorporating materials from endangered species. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DESCRIPTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY FORTUNA, THAT ANY OF THE LOTS FOR SALE ARE MERCHANTABLE OR SUITED FOR ANY PURPOSE.