What is the correct dial for this 5512 Submariner 1964?

[mullen1040]

This was my grandfathers Submariner. Serial number on the original paperwork says 1,101,2XX Can someone tell me what dial is correct for the watch so I can start searching for one? I am guessing it is a 1963 or 1964 from the serial number? Any info is greatly appreciated.
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[greekbum]

Non chapter ring gilt / gloss 4 line dial. IMHO the dial is not impossible to find but expect to pay north of 10k for a nice one if one comes available.

[mullen1040]

Would it be worth spending that much for the correct dial? What is the watch worth today as is vs having the correct dial?

[alwayshere]

current dial appears to be a re-dial - not the best redial to be honest

[mullen1040]

Im not a expert but that is what I am being told. My grandfather bought this watch new I have the box and paper for it. He wore it a lot but since he passed in the mid 1970's it has been in a safe untouched. So the dial must have been redone prior to mid 1970's. Maybe when in for service? Im trying to decide should I just leave it the way it is or because it is a family heirloom should I spend the money and have it brought to what it was when he bought it new? Advice would be great. Thanks.

[greekbum]

Its 100% a refinished dial and re lumed hands. If your thinking of selling, sell as found. If your thinking of restoring and selling the cost to find a dial and restore will net you much less than selling as is. If you want to restore it and keep it you will have to decide how much you are going to spend looking for the correct dial and matching handset. Its a needle in a haystack to find a very nice dial and when you do it won't be cheap but they are out there.

[mullen1040]

Thanks for the advise. I want to keep the watch because it was my grandfathers. I may just have the crystal polished and give it a good cleaning and just keep it as it is. 10K seems like a lot to spend. Looking on ebay I see similar watches claiming original dials selling for around that number.

[mullen1040]

Question: Could the current dial be restored to look original at a reasonable price? Other than the -Swiss- not being correct what else is incorrect about it?

[southtexas]

You can check over at VRF dial archive, certainly there are some good examples there with which to compare.


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[donaker]

As Nikos mentioned, it will be difficult and expensive to find a good replacement dial/hands combo for your watch. Maybe try contacting Michael Young. I've seen a few nice examples of dials he's refinished.

[vintagehartmann]

Mine is probably the lone voice here, but I recommend you bring it to the Rolex Service Center near you, and have them service the movement and replace the dial, crystal, and maybe the crown. The fat font insert and pearl could be left alone.

Then you have a watch that you can wear as a daily driver.

Cheaper alternative than sourcing period-correct parts, especially if you aren't going to sell it.

[Suprageex]

Originally Posted by mullen1040

Thanks for the advise. I want to keep the watch because it was my grandfathers. I may just have the crystal polished and give it a good cleaning and just keep it as it is. 10K seems like a lot to spend. Looking on ebay I see similar watches claiming original dials selling for around that number.

If anyone finds these ads where gilt 5512's are selling for 10k, do PM me, I'll buy them all

[Vincent65]

I'd leave it as it is - as your grandfather wore it.

[dstacy]

Here is a 5512 dial chart:

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[Rameez-Q]

I'd go with a servicing as well and have dial and hands replaced at the same time. It'll be very costly if you EVER manage to source a dial. Many well known collectors will probably be offered them before hands and there are many on the lookout.

Note that if the watch goes to rolex, the new dial will be a lot different to the current dial and may not be a like for like replacement depending on what they have.

[Xantiagib]

I dunno is it a service dial that has been relumed later on?
the gloss dials didn't 'weather' well and a lot of these were replaced very few years after.

perhaps you could get that dial and the hands re-lumed with a colour more typical to aged dials of the 'post gilt' era... @1966-67 a bit sharper and flatter will make the world of difference along with a new crystal/polish.

other than that - enjoy it as your grandpa did... you shouldn't sell it you will regret it later on

[Suprageex]

Originally Posted by Xantiagib

I dunno is it a service dial that has been relumed later on?

Definately not a service dial, Rolex wouldn't release dials with such a shoddy font (no offense, OP)

[mullen1040]

Thanks for all the advice. Being that this watch was my grandfathers Its killing me hearing that the dial is no good. I feel like I have to find the correct dial and have the watch returned to the way it should be. If anyone runs across the correct dial please PM me with information. I could never sell the watches, they are the only thing I own that were his. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[Gibson45]

just curious, but if it was your grandfathers watch.. and its in the condition that he left it to you, and you are never going to sell it.....then why change anything?

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Gibson45

just curious, but if it was your grandfathers watch.. and its in the condition that he left it to you, and you are never going to sell it.....then why change anything?

I know I would not touch it, just a service and wear it with pride

[mullen1040]

Just hearing that the dial was not correct for the watch bothered me and made me want to restore it to the best it can be, but considering that a original correct dial is almost not ever going to be available, I think I'll just have it serviced, have the crystal polished and enjoy it on special occasions in memory of my grandfather.

I guess I was looking at it like a classic car with out its date code correct engine in it. If it was possible to find a original date correct engine you would probably want to do it. But as you said it is the way he last left it so its a hard decision to change it.