Potential first vintage Rolex purchase--Advice on a 5512 please?

[szander14]

Hello Everyone!

I'm a new member to the forum, so first off...hello! I've been researching, saving, and waiting to make my first vintage Rolex purchase for many years (actually, my first Rolex purchase period). I'm finally in a position to make my move and I would greatly appreciate your opinions. I've been looking for a vintage sub and really like the 5512 due to its slighter limited production (compared with the 5513) and the look of the four-line dial.

I have an inquiry in with the seller, but was hoping to get your advice. The couple things I'm wondering about are: 1. potential service hands? Does the lume on the hands look lighter than that on the dial plots? 2. case back: to my eyes, the caseback appears to be stamped 5513 instead of 5512? If this is the case, how big of a deal would it be? 3. anything else? I know that the bezel insert is a replacement, but that isn't a deal-breaker for me. Is there anything I'm missing?

Any insight you could provide would be greatly appreciated! I very much look forward to taking part in this great community in the future. Thank you!

[Beaumont Miller II]

Dial: Excellent condition
Hands: likely replaced at a service
Case: polished to a high standard the last time; however, over the years it has been polished a lot. Looking at the case back side, obvious that the lugs are getting thin and supported by the spring bars poking out.
Insert: a service insert
Case back: no big deal if it says 5513.

It would be nice to know the serial number.

[cajuntiger]

1.8m asking $7995 according to web listing.

I think with some patience you can do much better.

[Fabrice M]

I agree with everyone, over polished over-time, hands and insert have been replaced and dial re-lumed. You are missing out on the nice patina those watches usually have. There are better looking 5512 and 5513 for sale on this forum all the time.

[szander14]

Thank you all so much for the replies! I'm afraid my patience is starting to get the best me. It's amazing how much of a waiting game this has ended up being! You all make great points, some of which are deal breakers for me.

The search continues.

Thank you all again for your thoughts!