Rolex “5512 Chapter Ring Gilt 4-Liner” Submariner

Description

Up for grabs is a very rare Rolex Submariner, Ref. 5512, circa 1962.  This particular early Submariner is fitted with a very rare chapter-ring “gilt” chronometer-certified “4-line” dial, very sparsely seen and produced for a short time before Rolex transitioned to the matte dial in 1967.  Additionally, this is a low production “exclamation” dial (referring to the extra luminous dot above the 6 o’clock marker), produced only circa 1962-1963, signifying Rolex’s transition from radium lume to low-level radium/tritium.

The Rolex Submariner offered here is in very good vintage condition.  The case is thick and even, with original bevels prominent and appearing unpolished, but shows wear from use.  The dial is in very nice original condition, still glossy, with an even patina to the clear coat lacquer across the dial, giving the watch a unique brown color and appearance. The original tritium lume is present in the dial and hands, aged to a dark yellow color.  The original “fat font” and “long 5” bezel insert is in great condition, with minor wear, and aged to a navy hue.

The watch comes fitted on its original Rolex Swiss Rivet 7206/80 bracelet, dated to 1966, and has 11 full links with no stretch.