Opinion on my 5512

[TheManFromWales]

Hi folks….I would like your general opinion on my 5512.
I had it for 30 years (and wore every day) and my father had it before me for another 20 years plus (and wore it every day)….so it is a bit “used”.
The serial numbers on the side (818xxx) indicates that it may be EITHER 1952 or 1962….according to various website the 5512 not produced until the late 50’s…so this has to be a 1962 date.
I have no plans in selling it….nevertheless should I spend cash refurbishing it?
Any other comments welcome!

[donaker]

I'm no expert but it appears you have a well loved and worn 1962 5512 there. From first glance I'd say the dial and bracelet have been fitted with a service replacements at some point.

It's great that you want to refresh it and keep it in the family. Please post after service pics.

[datejust24]

It's not from '62 otherwise it would be a gilt meters first 2 line dial I believe..those items could have been replaced at service at some point which would be a real shame but those hands...they are a considerably darker shade of yellow than the dial...someone with more knowledge will chime in shortly I'm sure..here's mine from '74
IMG_1902.jpg

[TheManFromWales]

Originally Posted by datejust24

It's not from '62 otherwise it would be a gilt meters first 2 line dial I believe..those items could have been replaced at service at some point which would be a real shame but those hands...they are a considerably darker shade of yellow than the dial...someone with more knowledge will chime in shortly I'm sure..here's mine from '74
Attachment 805166

Thanks datejust24

Amazing how many variations there are on the 5512!
It is interesting that by looking at the watch itself the colours (dial vs hands) seem the same...unlike the photos I downloaded!!
What I know is that they don't shine in the dark like they did 20 years ago or so....also I have only replaced the bracelet in the 80's....

[ahantel]

I use Beaumont Miller II's website to look at all of the dial variations of early 5512's. Yours seems to have a replacement/service dial. Here is the 1961-62 page of the site to show you what an original looks like:

http://www.5513mattedial.com/5512/1961-1962.html

Sadly getting an original dial in good condition is next to impossible unless you want to buy another watch (which will cost you some $$ these days).

[Craft&Tailored]

agree with the comments above... dial is service replacement as original would be a meters first and gilt. also, this is a 2 line dial more commonly found on the 5513 references and not the 5512 which would be a 4 line dial. the only way to tell for sure would be to look at the caliber of movement. Hands appear to be original based on the pictures as the older non-service tritium hands and dials tend to take on a richer patina. the bezel insert is original and the pointed crown guards are also consistent with the era of 5512/5513 you have described.

Hope that helps!

[sishac]

Love the watch and the history behind it! Just my opinion but I would get it serviced and maybe change the crystal. If Lume is important you can get it relumed (it's not an original dial anyway), or you could get a 4 line service dial/handset and it would glow like new. I have a well worn 1.2mm 5512 with a service dial/hands from Rolex....will probably never see the original gilt combo,mbut I love the watch nonetheless. Your watch has family history and I would put that in front of everything!!! Congrats and good luck.

[seattleal]

Does anyone know why the hands photograph green?
I have '61 5512 and the hands also photgraph green but do not look green when viewed directly.

[TheManFromWales]

Hi Al

Good question...my guess is something to do with the flash light...
Do you have photos of your 61' 5512 and some history behind it? Your avatar photo looks similar to my 62' 5512

[seattleal]

Originally Posted by TheManFromWales

Hi Al

Good question...my guess is something to do with the flash light...
Do you have photos of your 61' 5512 and some history behind it? Your avatar photo looks similar to my 62' 5512

The avatar is a Mk V Red Sub I bought in 1970, used as my diving watch, then sold in 1986.

I bought this '61 5512 from a fellow VRF member earlier this year. He assures me dial and hands are original, and not relumed. The insert pictured here is original, but damaged. I have since replaced it with a similar long 5 (and true kissing 4) insert. I'd also like to get a nice, reasonably priced 7206 bracelet, but am still looking.

Here is an image that best shows how the hands appear green in photos (whether flash, natural or artificial light), as opposed to the dial lume , which looks white. They appear the same color to the naked eye regardless of lighting:

[onkyo]

Originally Posted by seattleal

Does anyone know why the hands photograph green?
I have '61 5512 and the hands also photgraph green but do not look green when viewed directly.

I think hands are relumed from long ago.

[J!m]

Great watch with a greater history. Keep it running strong for the next generation!

I love the 5512.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by J!m

Great watch with a greater history. Keep it running strong for the next generation!

I love the 5512.

Exactly

The history alone is well worth preserving