Submariner 5512 pointed crown guard - dial question

[achova]

I recently acquired a very early Submariner 5512 with pointed crown guards. I purchased it from the son of the original owner and have RSC paperwork from 1995. Nice to have the contiguous ownership however it's evident the dial has been replaced. (edit just noticed TurboWatch thread - http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=87287&highlight=5512).

I'd like some insight in the proper dial. In reviewing the Vintage Rolex Sports Models by Skeet / Urul it appears the earliest 5512 have the same dial as the first of the 5513 with no reference to Chronometer rating. Once the 5513 came out the 5512 added Chronometer and later the four lines dial (like mine has) where Superlative is added. Are the two dials in fact the same? Anyone have a period correct dial available or suggestion on who (or where) to check with periodically?


http://adamsgarage.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=32067&g2_serialNumber=4.jpg

http://adamsgarage.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=32076&g2_serialNumber=4.jpg

http://adamsgarage.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=32070&g2_serialNumber=4.jpg

[mike]

Your serial number dates to circa 1960. While nothing is set in stone I would tend to look for a gilt/gloss 2 line dial with enclosed minute ring.:cheers:

[achova]

Thank you for the response. I've got a message into Steve M. and may just get this checked out and freshened up leaving the existing dial in place until I come across the right replacement.

Your serial number dates to circa 1960. While nothing is set in stone I would tend to look for a gilt/gloss 2 line dial with enclosed minute ring.:cheers:

[mike]

Thank you for the response. I've got a message into Steve M. and may just get this checked out and freshened up leaving the existing dial in place until I come across the right replacement.

Very wise Adam.:thumbsup: Take your time and do it right. Properly restored the 5512 is quite a collector's peice.

From the photo it looks to have a service replacement insert. A period correct one would enhance the value.:cheers:

[T5AUS]

This is what it should look like, my 62 pointy crown guard. Have you had the back off to see what the date is. Hope this helps :cheers:

[achova]

Nice watch - love that dial!

The case back was off last week and looking at my photo it's dated **.60. The movement is a 1560 #044632.

Is it safe to presume that the Swiss dials like yours contain Radium and are there any special handling precautions that the well known restorers are taking?

On a similar subject, I've been reading up on dials in the 'WatchOut' section regarding redials and the proper verbiage expected of the collector community but is Rolex - or original Rolex suppliers - or USA specialists able to bring back a worn period dial? Just trying to gauge the balance between being period-correct and unrestored vs. refinished or restored as it relates to cost and pedigree.

In any case, I've been enjoying wearing it as it is and plan to part with my recently refurbished R serial 5513 to help fund the restoration...

[achova]

To clarify - the date on the case back appears to be II.60.

W/regard to refinishing, I've seen reference to Rolex San Francisco re-luming more recent dials. Since this may have had Radium, I have to presume NOS is just out of the question so I'm just trying to find the appropriate balance between an old older dial which may be aged or an older dial touched-up. Versus my existing (period-incorrect) Rolex redial.

http://adamsgarage.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=32101&g2_serialNumber=4.jpg


Photos of the 5512 with my recently refurbished (R-serial) 5513.

http://adamsgarage.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=32105&g2_serialNumber=4.jpg