Rolex “5512 Meters First” Submariner

Description

Offered here is a beautiful example of a Rolex Submariner, Reference 5512, circa 1967.  It features a desirable “4-liner” matte dial, with four lines of text, as opposed to the two lines typical of the reference 5513 Submariner.  This was due to Rolex’s use of a chronometer certified movement in these model of Submariner, prompting them to signify as such on the dial.  Further, this is an early “meters first” dial, as seen in the first line of text on the bottom of the dial (200m=660ft).

This early Submariner is in nice vintage condition.  The case has been polished in the past, but remaining thick and beefy and with beveled edges still visible. The dial is beautiful, with no chips, scratches, etc.  The original tritium lume is present on both dial and hands, and has aged to a creamy yellow  The original “Long 5” bezel insert remains, aged to a lovely dark brown color.

The watch comes on a rare Rolex stretch-rivet Swiss 6636 bracelet with 80 endlinks, dated to 1966, and has 11 full links with no stretch.