5512 Submariner - Need Advice

[DutchC]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking at purchasing my 1st vintage Rolex and I would love to get some advice. I'm very interested in a vintage Sub and found one semi-locally. The owner is a few hours driving distance away, so I've been trying to collect as much information as I can before driving out to see the watch. Here's what I know so far:

• Vintage Submariner
• Recently Serviced
• No box or papers
• Looks like a 4 line 5512, feet first
• Submariner on the 2nd line, f & t not aligned... 3 - 5 million serial #?
• The minute hand looks rather dark

She mentioned the jeweler who serviced the watch. I'll give them a call tomorrow to see if they have more details. Below are the pictures I've received thus far (I know, I know, poor quality).

What do you guys think? What are the things I should look out for when I go to see the watch in person? I do plan on going to a jeweler to check the movement and caseback #. I'll of course check the model # and serial #.

Thanks!

[janice&fred]

the pics are almost useless but i see the minute hand is actually missing it's lume and the bracelet needs help. not the end of the world and aside from the obvious and verifying it's genuine you should simply focus on price.

[clem2192]

As already stated it would be almost impossible for anyone to give any real assurances, advice from the poor photos provided. I would suggest that you request some higher quality (in focus) photos, if these are not forth coming then that could be the first sign the seller is attempting to hide something.

The lume on the minute hand has completely degraded as is no longer there, whilst it's not the end of the world it would have an impact on the value as vintage collector are looking for originality.

If the watch has been recently serviced who carried out the service (was it an independent and AD or an accredited Rolex repair centre)? Are there any service papers to back this up ?

[crowncollection]

Need better pics


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[swatty]

I'd be very suspect if some one sent me pics like that, but that's just me.

[Andad]

I'd pass just based on the pix.

[swish77]

Agreed that much better and more photos are needed to give proper advice, but from the fuzzy photo of the dial, I can tell it's the same version as my 5512, which is a so-called MKII from about '72-'74 range. It's the only 5512 that is almost like a rail dial.

Here's mine below for comparison, a 3.7 mil. with a "I 72" case back.

[onthedial]

@DutchC
Sometimes bad pics are indicative of fraud. Other times bad pics are indicative of picture-taking ineptitude. In your case I would definitely pursue the acquisition of this watch with cautious optimism, just as you seem to be doing. In other words, I wouldn't let these poor images dissuade you. [I also see a folded link bracelet which is a good sign].
Please follow up with your findings!

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by swish77

Agreed that much better and more photos are needed to give proper advice, but from the fuzzy photo of the dial, I can tell it's the same version as my 5512, which is a so-called MKII from about '72-'74 range. It's the only 5512 that is almost like a rail dial.

Here's mine below for comparison, a 3.7 mil. with a "I 72" case back.

Now that is stunning!

[Perpetual74]

Bad pictures ... but the little that we see does not look too bad ..

The minute hand isn't darker.. there isn't tritium on it :)

Bezel and crown seems correct, the bracelet seeem to be folded (and maybe need a restoration)...

Look at the serial/reference between lugs .. so you can know the production date and if the dial (if original -as it seems to be-) is consistent..

Try to have as much information by the clockmaker who performed the service...but consider that not all are experts in vintage

if you can put better photos ;)

[DutchC]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

In this case, I think the lack of quality pictures is simply the owner's inability to take good photos. I've spoken to her a few times and she's willing to help out. I've requested better pictures, but we'll see how they turn out.

I have a question open to see if the horologist can give me more information about the watch. I'm not super optimistic about additional info from this source. The jeweler sent it off to a horologist they use and they don't keep good records on watches that have been serviced. We'll see.

I might just try and meet with her later this week when I'm relatively near for work and see if I can take a number of pictures myself to get feedback.

Given what I know so far, what would be a reasonable price to make this worth restoring / working on?

Thanks!

[onthedial]

You can get some comps of private sellers (so apples to apples) via watchrecon.com
____
IG: @onthedial

[Wing Zero]

Based on the pictures, I think you have a Rolex

[Rolex33020]

My band looked like that and I had MY restore it to like new.

[stubborndonkey]

Those pics make it pretty impossible, until you can actually SEE the watch in question hold off on pulling the trigger.

[DutchC]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! There was some odd things going on with the sale. Before I had a chance to see it, she wrote me to tell me she was going to keep the watch as her immediate financial situation had resolved itself. A few days later, I've noticed the watch has been relisted for a higher amount.

Thanks again for your help! I'll try a different route