1962 Rolex Submariner ref. 5512 “CR Exclamation, Unpolished Case”

Up for grabs is a Rolex Submariner

Reference 5512

870,XXX serial number circa late 1962 production

Absolutely amazing case has been very well preserved. The case is clearly factory finished and unpolished. Not only that, the edges are still very sharp as well including the PCG’s. It appears the watch has been worn for a while, then put away. Not “sleeve polished”, not worn for 50 years but “unpolished”. This is clearly original finish, sharp edges, sharp lug holes. All of crud and dirt you can see has been on there for a very long time and shows/presented as found. Original crown is still in excellent condition. The serial and reference numbers are clearly visible.

Check out the bezel and original insert! The bezel ring is very sharp, without rounded edges from use or polish. The insert is practically flawless and original Long 5 with tritium pearl still intact. You can still see the old crud around it.

Crystal shows light crazing all around it if you look as certain angle.

The caseback is extremely sharp! Look at the edge of it. This is normally also rounded off from being worn and polished and high polished part is usually dull. Inside is correctly stamped 5512 and IV.62. There is only 1 single service mark on this watch.

Dial is extremely attractive and original 2-line CR with exclamation point. Very nice patina throughout, without any lume loss. Original hands. No relume, no refinish. Dial is still glossy. There is an hour hand drag that is very typical of these watches. This was just the watch the hands were installed on these and it only confirms originality of everything.

The bracelet is also original to this watch. Super tight condition which is practically unheard of for rivets. Shows some wear, shows some dirt, but again, was put away after its short run. Correctly dated 2.63 on clasp, stamped 7206 and 80 ends.

Overall an amazing and truly fresh-to-market piece in today’s age us dealers are not finding as many honest and fresh pieces as we did even a few years ago. Nothing was added to this watch, taken away, swapped, replaced, or fixed before going up for sale.