Gifted a 5512

[butler9999]

My uncle gifted me this 5512. It has a serial number of: 693xxx

Looks to be a 4 line COSC / gilted chapter ring / PCG / tulip? / 2 lines are gilted.

1961 or 1962?

The band is not original. What should I do band wise?

And, it runs laying flat. Everyone once in a while when being normally jostled, the second hand catches the minute hand and moves it around??!! Anything special to say when being serviced and fixed, besides don't change out anything original?

Thanks for any advice.

[butler9999]

More images of the 5512. Thanks.

[roh123]

Congrats! Stunning watch

Correct band would be a rivet normally called 7206 or 6636. Watch is probably from -61 and it is very, very valuable. As you mention you do not want things changed. A skilled watchmaker will be able to help you with the hands. Just make sure they know what they are doing as it is a 50k++ watch.

Best of luck and congrats once again. Pretty much the ultimate divers watch imho.

[JohnBaker3]

1961 looks good for the year of manufacture.

Remember that the hands and dial lumes were originally made with radium in the paint; your watchmaker needs to be proficient in working with this...

Great watch; good luck!

[Sky21]

Awesome gift from your uncle!! Just a full movement service and try your best not to touch anything else. Probably can find a period correct bracelet for $2.5k or so to go with your watch, just stay away from eBay.

[subtona]

Lovely example.

I wish I could recommend someone but hopefully you will find help here. I would be very particular who you choose to use For service!

[droptopman]

Beautiful and rare watch. There are a couple of vintage WS here on the forum that may be able to help.
I have a gilt 1966 5513 that I found a 7206 bracelet for from one of the known vintage dealers here and then had restored. 2k is about where I ended up for the bracelet. Took a while to find one with a 1966 clasp code.


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[Rebel]

Just take good care of it.

[sensui]

Beautiful and I'm glad you stumbled upon this bunch for recommendations on correctness and service advice. Wish I had family that gifted something as awesome.

[Dries]

Stunning!

[Jfullm42]

Man I want my uncle to pull something like this out! Congrats on that beauty

[Wing Zero]

Ugh so lucky. Congratz.


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[brockburst]

The hand catching as you said is likely creating that small ring around the center of the dial, its called hand drag (i believe that's what I am seeing) -- watchmaker can fix. Lots of folks here use ABC watchwerks for their vintage pieces. Avoid sending it to Rolex for service.

Quite an awesome example!

[cjohns]

2 questions , did he ever wear it and what did he say what he did with the band ?

[Vincent65]

Lucky you - congrats! Wish I was given one like that ('gifted' means talented/bright)

[bdex75]

Wow. Congrats. As for a strap/band I would wear on a vintage look leather strap or a nato or a 2 piece Eulit perlon until you can source/ restore a bracelet.


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[saskmh]

I would leave that wound down and get it serviced asap to avoid further scratching of the dial. (the ring scratched by the hour hand). Other than that, you have a great watch...I need an uncle like that!

[sea-dweller]

Congrats!

[butler9999]

Thanks for all the thanks. I learned so much already from a great group of enthusiasts. And some grammar / vocab too. ;-) (ie: gifted) LOL. The hand is not touching the face, but only when really jostled, the second had "has" caught the minute hand and taken it for a ride. Looks bad, but laying flat and normal movements it is keeping perfect time sitting side by side of my 2 tone SUB. My Uncle that gave this to me is feeling his age. I was telling him about when I bought my first 2 tone in 2002 during the Olympics that I bought it with money that our Grandma (his Mom) left every grand kid when she passed. I told him I thought of her often and wasn't it cool I bought something that has actually increased in value with a little care. Obviously he was impressed, because he gave me 3 watches and told me to take care of them. GLADLY! ;-) Too cool.

Thanks again for all the advice and help. I'll keep you all posted, and even those that have pm'd me on buying if I ever decide to sell. CHEERS!

[BNA/LION]

Beautiful!

[butler9999]

He broke the band at a construction site. A watch guy put on a generic oyster band that feels cheap and light. He lost the box and original band in multiple moves he's made. Dangit. I'll look for a good refurbished one from that time period. THANKS!

[datejust24]

That's truly an amazing gift...that's one hell of a piece to start collecting if you decide to do so..also, chose wisely on who you decide let touch that beauty...as stated above that's an extremely valuable and rare piece...if I were you I'd send it to Philip Ridley...the service won't be cheap but it'll be worth it...congrats and welcome

[Bob the brush]

Wow, that's one hell of a gift. Lucky you.

[brandrea]

Very nice, congratulations!

[cowboy music]

Beautiful! What a gift!

[butler9999]

I just talked to Phillip Ridley today and have decided to have them (Watchmakers Int.) service and beautify this watch. I was impressed with their website, but the personal touch of a phone call was just an additional plus. He is also trying to source a great 7206 bracelet to make it ALL come together. I'm still trying to track down the box and papers, but don't know how much luck I'll have.

Pictures of the project to come soon. Thanks for all the shout outs! Chris

[Gaijin]

How rare is a 5512 compared to a 5513? Like how much more valuable? My buddy's son just got one from his deceased GF. 5512 with a replacement bracelet.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Gaijin

How rare is a 5512 compared to a 5513? Like how much more valuable? My buddy's son just got one from his deceased GF. 5512 with a replacement bracelet.

I'd say around twenty 5513 per one 5512 later on when both were available. This one is from the time when 5513 werent released yet so difficult to compare. This is however a 4-line 5512 which is extremely rare. Especiallt in good condition.

[Gaijin]

Ok, thanks. Helpful.

[jban5]

1. That is one of the most beautiful 5512's, be careful when you first get it back and start wearing it. Staring at it while walking or driving could be very dangerous.

2. Be they Rolex or not, c'mon, let's see the other watches he passed to you.

3. "I was telling him about when I bought my first 2 tone in 2002 during the Olympics that I bought it with money that our Grandma (his Mom) left every grand kid when she passed. I told him I thought of her often and wasn't it cool I bought something that has actually increased in value with a little care. Obviously he was impressed, because he gave me 3 watches and told me to take care of them. GLADLY! ;-) Too cool. "

If that isn't "gifted" then nothing is. ;>)