5512 meters first 4-liner from 1970 - introduction

[soicanbefree]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Of course, you’re right. I know owners of decades-Rolexes who aren’t even aware that vintage forums exist!

However, this IS a vintage forum. .

Ok I will put on my vintage forum hat.

Definitively: service hands, service insert, it's been polished (a few times).

Maybe: Dial does look like the lume has been scraped off the plots. It does not look like any attempt at a relume has been made.

No Opinion: Caseback/serial number: Possibly correct / original. No way to be sure.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by soicanbefree

Ok I will put on my vintage forum hat.

Definitively: service hands, service insert, it's been polished (a few times).

Maybe: Dial does look like the lume has been scraped off the plots. It does not look like any attempt at a relume has been made.

No Opinion: Caseback/serial number: Possibly correct / original. No way to be sure.

An excellent, succinct break-down.

At the risk of being cynical, I just always find it odd that a lot of these so-called "original owner/found in a drawer" watches happens to have replaced parts, modifications done, and a confusing representation of parts.

[RolexBrian]

I'd source a nicer period correct dial, insert, matching hand set, and have LAWW work the case. That's me. :)

[cardiel]

Originally Posted by RolexBrian

I'd source a nicer period correct dial, insert, matching hand set, and have LAWW work the case. That's me. :)

I would leave alone and enjoy as is......

[Bjoern88]

Thanks Everyone for your comments! I appreciate it ... I have posted a longer response with more info but the post did not show yet (I think it needs to be approved by an admin). I will make more photos as soon I have it back. Thanks! Bjoern

[77T]

Originally Posted by Bjoern88

Thanks Everyone for your comments! I appreciate it ... I have posted a longer response with more info but the post did not show yet (I think it needs to be approved by an admin). I will make more photos as soon I have it back. Thanks! Bjoern

Look forward to the new photos when it comes back from service.


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[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

An excellent, succinct break-down.



At the risk of being cynical, I just always find it odd that a lot of these so-called "original owner/found in a drawer" watches happens to have replaced parts, modifications done, and a confusing representation of parts.

I think it makes sense in this case. Knowing the general location where it came from, there are few of any authorized Rolex techs to be found, especially through the 70s and 80s. The one shop referenced by the OP is as good as it gets, but they’re really just a jewellery shop. My point being: if it was serviced in the past it was most likely done by a generalist watchmaker and not a Rolex specialist.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

I think it makes sense in this case. Knowing the general location where it came from, there are few of any authorized Rolex techs to be found, especially through the 70s and 80s. The one shop referenced by the OP is as good as it gets, but they’re really just a jewellery shop. My point being: if it was serviced in the past it was most likely done by a generalist watchmaker and not a Rolex specialist.

Styles, you’re probably right. But it’s a slight stretch to think a generalist watchmaker would replace the bezel insert with a later service one, possibly change the hands, and so “something” to that dial lume (it does look washed, or at least like the lume has been removed). I’m honestly not trying to stir up controversy, but it’s a lot done to a watch.

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Styles, you’re probably right. But it’s a slight stretch to think a generalist watchmaker would replace the bezel insert with a later service one, possibly change the hands, and so “something” to that dial lume (it does look washed, or at least like the lume has been removed). I’m honestly not trying to stir up controversy, but it’s a lot done to a watch.

Fair point. But if there was some water intrusion at some point, for example, isn’t it reasonable to think it that the lume got a bit of rot and was wiped from the dial to prevent it from flaking into the movement? Service insert isn’t really hard to come by... I’ve no skin in this game, of course, just musing on possible scenarios.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Fair point. But if there was some water intrusion at some point, for example, isn’t it reasonable to think it that the lume got a bit of rot and was wiped from the dial to prevent it from flaking into the movement? Service insert isn’t really hard to come by... I’ve no skin in this game, of course, just musing on possible scenarios.

Absolutely! All academic to me, too! And I do hope everything turns out well for all involved.

[southtexas]

I’m curious to hear what bob’s offered this lady?


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[Bjoern88]

She gave me Bob's offer is it ok by the forum rules to share it?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Bjoern88

She gave me Bob's offer is it ok by the forum rules to share it?

I wouldn't post any documents, but I don't think there's anything wrong with sharing the amount they offered.

[Bjoern88]

She got an offer of 8000 USD

[circles]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

It’s a lovely watch. Post some more photos when you get it back. Most would expect a 5512 or 5513 of that era to have a gilt dial. However, You do see some from this timeline with the Matte dial like yours. The insert should have a Long5, but was likely replaced long ago.

Anyway, enjoy the watch. It has a captivating dial.

Sorry. Gilt 5512's were produced through 1967. Nobody would expect a 5512 of that era to have a gilt dial.

[circles]

This should help:

.

[Bjoern88]

Thanks circles this is a great spreadsheet ... did you creates this yourself?

[bmb15]

Originally Posted by Bjoern88

Thanks circles this is a great spreadsheet ... did you creates this yourself?

Found that some time ago on the web, gives an indication at least.

[harry in montreal]

Circles, thanks for that. I am interested in submariners from that 1965-1967 twilight zone. The replaced caseback is interesting, but I would not care. This 5512 is a premier watch, the prize of any collection. I like watches with age, the old ‘it’s original only once’ applies but clearly it’s evolved over the years... but isn’t this the inherent nature of these watches? Enjoy it as it is. It’s great

[Bjoern88]

I received my watch back... They have done a full service, replaced rotor axle, setting wheel, setting lever and gasket... but during service when they anti-dust the dial with air some lume came off the 12 o'clock marker
They offered to repair it but I will leave it like that as it is part of the watch. Other than that I am pretty happy

I have trouble to post high resolution pictures but here a few.

[Bjoern88]

two more :)

[Juhuatai]

Nice pictures, shame about the lume at 12 o clock

[Tavli3]

Originally Posted by soicanbefree

Here is a slightly earlier one with 1.43 serial.

https://cdn2.chrono24.com/images/uhr...j9nvy-Zoom.jpg

Is the small certificate next to the watch considered the paper. I have one similar to my 66 gilt 5513 and not sure what it is.


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[cardiel]

but during service when they anti-dust the dial with air some lume came off the 12 o'clock marker

yikes.....I hope they weren't blasting it with a can of air!