Rolex Submariner 5512 Gilt - Exclamation Mark

This Rolex Submariner 5512 from 1963 embodies the essence of the Rolex diver's watch heritage and is a cornerstone in the world of vintage collector's watches.

Apart from its super rare configuration consisting of a gilt dial with exclamation mark, zinc sulphide luminous material and pointed crown guards, this diving watch legend has a grandiose look that the pictures only partially convey and whose real vintage charm only comes to light when seen in person.

Everything about this watch is matching. The serial number between the lugs dates back to 1963, the case back is marked III/63 (third quarter of 1963) and even the Oyster bracelet bears the correct date stamp 3/63 in the clasp. This consistent and matching configuration is extremely rare, which is why we particularly appreciate it as collectors of authentic vintage watches.

The dial is a highlight in itself and has a number of rare features. First of all, it is the coveted gilt dial with its characteristic glossy finish and gold-colored print, which was used in the Rolex Submariner 5512 between around 1959 and 1963, making our watch one of the last Submariners with a gilt dial.

The main attraction for collectors is the small round luminous dot under the hour marker at 6 o'clock, which together with this marker becomes an "exclamation mark" and was intended to indicate the changeover of the luminous material from radium to tritium. From around 1963, Swiss watch manufacturers were no longer allowed to use radium. During this very short transition period, some watches used the long-lasting zinc sulphide luminous material, which can be immediately identified by its greenish luminous color. The exclamation mark dials were available for about 1 year, which makes them very rare and highly sought-after. The combination with the zinc sulphide luminous material as in this watch is even rarer.

The next attractive and coveted feature is the so-called chapter ring, a ring that connects the minute track at the periphery of the dial.

The reference 5512 was the first Rolex Submariner to be fitted with crown guards. The large square shape of the crown guard on the first models made it difficult for professional divers to wind the watch, which is why it was replaced by more pointed crown guards in 1960. Pointed crown guards (PCG), as on this Submariner, were produced until 1964 before they were changed to the round version that is still used today.

The watch is powered by the caliber 1530, matching the rare 2-line version of the dial, with only the depth indication and "SUBMARINER" printed below it.

Condition report
Dial: greatly preserved gilt dial with completely intact gold-colored lettering - exclamation mark at 6 o'clock - chapter ring - original zinc-sulfide luminous material in hands and markers - authentic, even patina in hands and markers.

Case: natural signs of wear - intact lines - full profile - clearly legible numbers between the lugs - pointed crown guards (PCG) - original screw-down Rolex crown - III/63 (third quarter 1963) inside the back - reference 5512 inside the back - slight scratches on the bezel - intact pearl at 60 on the bezel.

Movement: Automatic Rolex caliber 1530 - rate: -8s/day, amplitude: 252, beat error: 0.1.

Bracelet: original riveted stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet in great condition - little stretch - end links: 80 - date stamp in clasp 3/63.

Serial number: 869xxx (1963)

Int.Exe.: 1302140