For the discerning few

Wear Rolex watch it’s integrate the club of famous clients : Al Capone , Nicolas Cage, Che Guevara, Warren Buffett, John F. Kennedy, Paul Newman, Winston Churchill, Steve McQueen, Roger Federer, Martin Luther King, Tiger Woods, Jay-Z, Grace Kelly, Sofia Loren, Clint Eastwood amongst countless others.

About this model :

This exceptional 1967 Rolex Submariner 5512 possesses numerous rare attributes. This exact rare reference 5512 with even rarer zinc sulfide lume dial was part of Steve McQueen’s personal collection and frequently adorned his wrist during various film shoots.

While not the inaugural Submariner model, the 5512 is revered by many collectors as a pivotal milestone in the history of dive watches. Its design and mechanical advancements have left an indelible mark on subsequent Submariner iterations. For instance, enhancements like the increased diameter from previous models and the introduction of crown guards underscore its significance. Initially equipped with the non-chronometer-certified caliber 1530, later iterations of the 5512 boasted the COSC-certified caliber 1570, along with the addition of “SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED” lines on the dial. Because buyers were reluctant to pay a premium for the additional features represented by “just two lines on the dial” in the 5512, the demand for the 5513 surged, leading to a significantly higher production volume of the latter. This perceived success story surrounding the 5513 contributes to the rarity and increased desirability of the 5512 among today’s vintage collectors.

The 1967 Rolex Submariner 5512 presented here is truly exceptional due to its unique features. As Swiss watchmakers phased out the use of radium for luminous materials in the mid-1960s, this model showcases the rare zinc sulfide lume, which still glows today. Its matte dial, a change from the previous glossy dials, marks it as one of the early specimens of the 5512 with this feature. Additionally, the “meters-first” depth indication of “220m-660ft” aligns with its earlier production, distinguishing it further as a collector’s gem.

For information : the original meters first 200 m = 660 ft was switched to feet first, indicating 600 ft = 200 m, around 1969. This alteration was made to align with Rolex’s marketing strategy, which shifted focus from a European to a U.S. centric market. The result is that models with the meters first are far more sought after and rarer.

Make a strong investment and a fabulous gift with this rare Rolex 5512, Note: This piece was not previously owned by Steve McQueen but comes from the same batch. (Maybe only 200 models ever produced).

MODEL :
Submariner
Case ref : 5512
Caseback ref : 5513 IV 67

For the non connoisseurs: It is very common for a 5512 case to use a 5513 caseback. Common wisdom is that Rolex just used whatever was available at the time. It even seems that the more often original equipment was the 5513 caseback for 5512 case! The case back matches the serial number of the case. Here IV 67 (last quarter of 1967) 18XXXXX.

MATERIAL :
Case : Stainless Steel
Crown : Stainless Steel
Dial, case, and movement signed.

CASE DIMENSION(S) :
40×47 mm (without the crown)

DIAL :
Black matte dial with original long-lasting zinc sulfide lume (Still luminous)

FRONT GLASS:
Acrylic crystal

DATE :
Last quarter of 1967

MOVEMENT :
Rolex automatic caliber Ref : 1570

STRAP :
Rolex stainless steel oyster bracelet ref 93150 with 580 end links

Wrist measure : Case + 115 mm + 60 mm = 215 mm
Can be adjusted to a smaller wrist by removing one or more links.

BUCKLE MATERIAL:
Rolex stainless steel deployant buckle

FUNCTIONS :
Central second – COSC certified chronometer – screw-down crown – hour and minute – luminous hand – rotating bezel – screwed-on caseback

INCLUDED :
Accompanied by a Rolex box ref 06.00.06, some originals 5512 documents and a new watch roll for two watches as pictured.

CONDITION REPORT :
The watch was fully serviced by our professional watchmaker in Paris. The watch movement is running perfectly, keeping time and waterproof to 200m. The case is in excellent condition, the glass is very clean, the dial have a vintage patina, some lost to the zinc sulfide lume (completely normal and reassuring for his age) and the insert have a vintage faded patina. A true must have. Our complete description have value of certificate of authenticity and appraisal.

In addition you can see a picture of the watch on Rolex books for reference and on wrist.