1967 5512 - A Family Heirloom

[ex313]

This watch was my fathers, he purchased it in 1967. I daily for this watch for many years. When he passed I put it away with exception of special occasions. I am not sure I would return this to daily wear status again. The bezel was replaced. Curious to hear folks thoughts on its originality or rarity.

D.-

[kryan5732]

I'm no expert but a meters first 5512 is a very nice piece. You could easily source a correct bezel but that one looks really nice. The experts may chime in on originality.

[vintagewatch]

Your 5512 appears to have a service dial from the 1970s and an oyster bracelet also from the 1970s (later). The 5512s produced in the early to mid 1960s more often than not had gilt dials and would have been fitted with a thinner riveted Oyster bracelet.

[Rebel]

I am happy you have your father's watch. Enjoy it. Wear it often.

[ex313]

With the value of these older watches going up so much, so has the cost of service and parts. I am almost fearful if something happens to it I can't afford to fix it. Also I would be heart broken were it to be lost or stolen - so I tend to reserve it for special occasions.

Originally Posted by Rebel

I am happy you have your father's watch. Enjoy it. Wear it often.

[Dan S]

None of the matte dial Submariners are "rare" in the sense that I think of the word but certainly the ref 5512 is much less common than 5513. In any case, that's really beside the point. It's a desirable watch and you could easily source a correct bezel insert if it were important to you. This is a tool watch that is meant to be worn, not a dress watch for special occasions. In my opinion, you should have it serviced (not polished or restored, just serviced), and enjoy it daily.

I'm also not an expert, but I don't have a reason to believe that the meters-first dial is a service replacement. If you provide more information about the serial number (between the bottom lugs), the real experts may be able to provide more information.

[brandrea]

I wish I had an heirloom like that. Enjoy it, and remember your dad always

[cajuntiger]

Originally Posted by vintagewatch

Your 5512 appears to have a service dial from the 1970s and an oyster bracelet also from the 1970s (later). The 5512s produced in the early to mid 1960s more often than not had gilt dials and would have been fitted with a thinner riveted Oyster bracelet.

1967 would be a matte dial

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by vintagewatch

Your 5512 appears to have a service dial from the 1970s and an oyster bracelet also from the 1970s (later). The 5512s produced in the early to mid 1960s more often than not had gilt dials and would have been fitted with a thinner riveted Oyster bracelet.

How do you figure it’s a service dial? If it WERE one from the 70s it wouldn’t be meters first. Additionally, a dial from 1967 would be matte, with meters first. Just like the OP’s...and just like the one I just sold.

You are right about the bracelet, of course.

[lhanddds]

Letting a watch sit in no way guarantees that it will not have a malfunction. The watch has wear which is normal. Take it out and enjoy it.

[vintagewatch]

I did say "most likely" a gilt dial. In the past (25 years or longer) the 5512s from the 1960s I've seen or owned had the golden indices on the dial. All said, sorry if I was mistaken on my initial post.

[mattedialdoc]

1967 would be matte MF, not gilt


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[fredved]

Enjoy!

[ex313]

So I assume the bezel itself if correct for the watch. Should the insert be the more narrow font ones?