Rolex “NY Mets 5512 Maxi” Submariner

Description

Up for grabs is a very special and rare watch – a Rolex Submariner, Reference 5512, circa 1978, with a Maxi Mark 1 (MK1) dial.  Apart from the rarity of this particular dial variation, this watch is further set apart due to its prior ownership.  As confirmed in a letter of provenance, this watch was owned by former New York Mets pitcher Craig Swan, who pitched for the Mets from 1973 to 1984.  According to him, this watch was given to him by his ex-wife as a Christmas gift in 1982, and has a matching caseback engraving to that effect.  Mr. Swan used this watch religiously as a daily wearer, and included in the sale are various autographed photos of him, two of which show him wearing the Submariner.

The watch itself is in great vintage condition.  The case is heavily worn, but does not seem to have been polished much, if ever.  The dial is excellent, with no major flaws.  Likewise, the original tritium lume is present on both dial and hands, aged to a golden yellow color.  The watch comes fitted on its original Rolex USA Jubilee band, as worn by Mr. Swan himself.

This is a true collector’s item, for the watch connoisseur, baseball fan, or both!