Rolex Submariner 5512 Meters First - Full Set

This very special 1967 Rolex Submariner 5512 offers a number of rare features and is accompanied by an exceptional full set. This model was in the private collection of Steve McQueen and was often spotted on the wrist of the legendary actor on various film sets.

Although the reference 5512 is not the very first Submariner, many collectors consider it the landmark of the iconic diving watch. Due to some notable changes in design and mechanics that this reference involved, the Submariner 5512 has had a significant impact on all subsequent Submariners produced to date. As an example, the increase of the diameter from 38 mm of the previous models to 40 mm or the introduction of crown guards. While the very first examples of the reference 5512 were still equipped with the non-chronometer-certified caliber 1530, later examples received the newly developed COSC-certified caliber 1570 and the dial was printed with two additional lines: "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED". With this in mind, Rolex introduced the Submariner reference 5513 in 1962, which was largely identical to the reference 5512, but did not have a chronometer movement and was therefore offered at a lower price. Since buyers were not willing to pay a higher price for the 5512 for "just two lines on the dial," demand for the reference 5513 grew much faster compared to the 5512, resulting in a much higher production volume of the 5513. This supposed success story of the 5513 makes the 5512 much rarer and more sought after by today's vintage collectors.

The Rolex Submariner 5512 offered here dates back to 1967 and is a truly exceptional vintage collector's watch due to some rare features. Starting around the mid-1960s, Swiss watch manufacturers were no longer allowed to use radium for the luminous material on the dial. Until tritium became the standard, they experimented with other materials. The dial of this Submariner 5512 has the long-lasting zinc sulfide lume, which was used during a very short transition period from radium to tritium. It still glows to this day. Only a few watches with zinc sulfide luminous material exist and are highly sought after by watch collectors.

Also, the change from glossy to matte dials took place in 1967. So, the present specimen is one of the first 5512 with a matte dial. Furthermore, the so-called meters-first depth indication "220m-660ft" fits the fact that this is an earlier version. Later, Rolex switched to print the depth indication in feet first (660ft = 200m), which was maintained until the end of the production of the reference 5512 in the late 1970s.

Thanks to the exceptional accessories still preserved from the original owner, this Submariner is a truly unique vintage collector's piece. The ultra full set includes:
- Watch Rate Certificate issued September 22, 1967, punched with serial number and labeled with the movement number.
- Instruction manual labeled with the serial number
- Hangtag signed with serial and movement number
- Submariner booklet
- Service invoice and service warranty card from 1976
- manual for the operation of the rotating bezel
- green presentation box
- outer box.

Condition report
Dial: excellent matte finish - no marks, scratches or otherwise - original zinc sulfide luminous material in markers - hands were replaced in 1976 service and include old tritium - signed "SWISS - T < 25".

Case: Stainless steel case in great condition - natural wear marks - intact numbers between lugs - original acrylic crystal with barely visible hairline cracks and a little crack between 7 and 8 o'clock - perfect black rotating bezel with intact luminous triangle at 12 o'clock - caseback was replaced in 1976 service with an identical Ref. 5513 caseback.

Movement: automatic caliber Rolex 1570 - serviced 2023 (the movement is currently being overhauled by our watchmaker).

Bracelet: original Rolex riveted stainless steel bracelet - natural wear marks - date stamp in the clasp: 1/71.

Summing-Up
When it comes to collecting vintage Rolex watches, the Submariner 5512 is one of the most important, rare and sought-after references. This particular example is absolutely unique due to the accessories present, the known service history and its honest original condition.

Serial number: 1676xxx (1967)

Int.Exe.: 3609110