Submariner 5512

[Claes_T]

Hi all,

I'm believe I could quite possibly make a substantial mistake buying a vintage sub. Therefore I thought it prudent asking for advice. What are your thoughts on this watch?

Regards

Claes

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/subma...-id7530302.htm

[swish77]

Hard to tell if the tritium on the dial is dirty or flaking in the photos, but either way, I'm not crazy about those hour plots. Case looks nice.

What's the beginning of the serial number?

Make sure you do a ton of research on the reference, and on the seller, of course.

[Kingface66]

I would walk straight away. Awful photos, and no way that dial is in "mint" condition.

[Claes_T]

I really like the 5512. It does however feel a bit overwhelming finding one that is "honest". Are there reputable dealers that will actually tell you what they are selling?

[Claes_T]

Is this a better bet?

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/1967-...-id7381511.htm

[simplymod]

When getting into this kind of $$ territory, best you feel very very comfortable with the seller. If the watch is located too far away to see in person prior to purchase, I would line up an appointment with a trusted watchmaker to inspect the watch fully upon receiving it and have a clear inspection period with the seller where you can send it back should it prove to not met your expectations. Any honest good seller will allow this.

[Claes_T]

Thnx, that is good advice

[Claes_T]

Originally Posted by Claes_T

Is this a better bet?

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/1967-...-id7381511.htm

Please excuse my ignorance, but what would be the most important questions to put to the seller regarding this piece? I generally give people the benefit of the doubt, however this is a substantial investment. Maybe the fact that I ask this is reason enough not to entertain the idea of buying a vintage Rolex? But where is the fun in that...

Regards

[dysondiver]

buy the seller

[Claes_T]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

buy the seller

I get that I need to do my DD on the seller. I'm merely asking for the opinons of more experienced collectors on the images presented. Are there any obvious signs that not everything is on par?

[Kingface66]

Look at a lot of photos and descriptions of 5512s from reputable sites. HQ Milton has all of the ones they've sold over the years here. It will at least give you an idea of what's being offered and how it's described and if any parts have been replaced

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/search?q=5512

I would also say that if a seller can't be bothered with good photos, that should tell you a lot

[Claes_T]

Thnx, I only just noticed that the case back was stamped 5513, not 5512.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Claes_T

Thnx, I only just noticed that the case back was stamped 5513, not 5512.

That is, actually, not that unusual

[Claes_T]

Originally Posted by swish77

Hard to tell if the tritium on the dial is dirty or flaking in the photos, but either way, I'm not crazy about those hour plots. Case looks nice.

What's the beginning of the serial number?

Make sure you do a ton of research on the reference, and on the seller, of course.

First three digits in the serial are 564...

link to Dropbox for better pictures: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ynzcjsivn...BL5EMY-2a?dl=0

Any one care to comment?

[Tom1675]

Originally Posted by Claes_T

First three digits in the serial are 564...

link to Dropbox for better pictures: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ynzcjsivn...BL5EMY-2a?dl=0

Any one care to comment?

Zooming in on these pics is much better, they confirm the plots at 12 & 1 are compromised and as a result there could be dust floating around in there. Also that insert, while kinda cool, is REALLY faded, a near ghost. May be artificially aged.

[Claes_T]

How important is the insert?

[simplymod]

Originally Posted by Claes_T

How important is the insert?

In the world of vintage Rolex you will find to most collectors everything is important. It can get very specific in the details (sometimes a bit overboard even). That said, if the watch is overall great and something like an insert is a bit less then desirable or was changed out at some point with a service insert etc., that is something easily changed. With some time and patience, usually the correct one can be found, just budget for that in making your initial purchase of the watch.

[Robbyvm]

if it doesn't feel right, walk out the door...
besides 12K can buy you a much better looking sub

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

if it doesn't feel right, walk out the door...
besides 12K can buy you a much better looking sub

Exactly!!!