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Old 7 May 2020, 01:09 AM   #1
phillip ridley
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An Etremely Rare 5512 Square Crown Guard

From what I understand, Rolex made around 100 of these very unique watches before moving on to the Eagle beak.

This watch came from a different country and after the owner purchased it, he had his watchmaker take a look. To his surprise, one of the dial feet was missing. In order to protect the valuable parts, he had the dial replaced with an aftermarket and the insert replaced with a MK 3 until he was able to find a solution.

A few years passed by until he reached out to me. Realizing how rare and special this piece was, I was a little hesitant. We spoke over the phone several times so that both parties knew exactly what direction was taken.

After receiving the watch, I was very eager to bring this watch back to its glory days. After attempting and failing to add the dial foot, I went to plan B. Plus, plan B would permanently secure the foot to the dial rather than using an adhesive that could break down the road.

The dial foot was successfully laser welded back onto the dial with no damage to the face; this way I knew it would be much more secure and reliable. Polished the crystal that was already on the watch and added the butterfly rotor with the copper reverser wheels.

In the end, this watch and its history came back to life.
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Old 7 May 2020, 01:17 AM   #2
brandrea
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That’s just incredible work Phillip

I wonder how many of these gems are out there, where the folks that own them just have no idea...

I always look forward to your posts
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Old 7 May 2020, 01:19 AM   #3
goldfixer21
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I would LOVE to know how that dial foot was laser welded back on without damaging the front of the dial. I have tried this numerous times, and have never been able to keep it from damaging the front. I have tried many different power settings, but any beam that that has enough power to weld it, still messes it up.
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Old 7 May 2020, 08:10 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by goldfixer21 View Post
I would LOVE to know how that dial foot was laser welded back on without damaging the front of the dial. I have tried this numerous times, and have never been able to keep it from damaging the front. I have tried many different power settings, but any beam that that has enough power to weld it, still messes it up.
That’s one of Phillips secrets.
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Old 7 May 2020, 01:23 AM   #5
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Wow, amazing restoration. Thanks for sharing
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Old 7 May 2020, 01:33 AM   #6
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Amazing. Thanks for sharing these. I always love your posts.

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Old 7 May 2020, 01:32 AM   #7
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What a rare piece and great work there!


Best Regards,
Danny
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Old 7 May 2020, 01:38 AM   #8
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Thanks! Please show more of these in the future!
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Old 7 May 2020, 01:52 AM   #9
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SO COOL. Thanks (as always) for sharing these stories/examples!
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Old 7 May 2020, 02:24 AM   #10
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What a beauty, and some incredible patina on that dial! Very nice work and as always great pictures!
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Old 7 May 2020, 02:38 AM   #11
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SUPER SPECIAL!

beautiful to see a thoughtful restoration and preservation of a piece of history.
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Old 7 May 2020, 02:40 AM   #12
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WOW!! now that's something you don't see everyday, thanks Phillip for sharing.
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Old 7 May 2020, 02:46 AM   #13
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Question for the experts - are the hands replaced? I am thinking that the minute hand should reach to the minute track.
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Old 7 May 2020, 03:18 AM   #14
phillip ridley
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Quote:
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Question for the experts - are the hands replaced? I am thinking that the minute hand should reach to the minute track.
Correct, we put a set of 60's curved Tritium hands as we did not have the Radium set.
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Old 7 May 2020, 03:46 AM   #15
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Wow. Drool. Well Friekin' Done

That watch PEGS the needle, hard ; )

(I am only ascared of the level of photo detail for the fakers)
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Old 7 May 2020, 02:58 AM   #16
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BEAUTIFUL!!!! Great work!!!!


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Old 7 May 2020, 03:42 AM   #17
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fantastic restoration work!
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Old 7 May 2020, 07:27 AM   #18
Styles Bitchley
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Beautiful. Those crown guards are a very pleasing shape, actually.
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Old 7 May 2020, 08:13 AM   #19
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Great work Phillip. Very cool. I had no idea of the square crown guard. That sure is a talent to weld that little foot on. Watch looks great. Is that insert original with red triangle?
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Old 7 May 2020, 10:28 AM   #20
phillip ridley
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Great work Phillip. Very cool. I had no idea of the square crown guard. That sure is a talent to weld that little foot on. Watch looks great. Is that insert original with red triangle?

Yep, that was the insert that originally came on the watch.
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Old 7 May 2020, 12:02 PM   #21
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Great work Phillip. Very cool. I had no idea of the square crown guard. That sure is a talent to weld that little foot on. Watch looks great. Is that insert original with red triangle?
There are rumored to be less than 300-400 total Rolex or Tudor Square Crown Guards in existence (with most of the Tudors going to the MN). Look behind the 7922

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Old 7 May 2020, 02:16 PM   #22
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There are rumored to be less than 300-400 total Rolex or Tudor Square Crown Guards in existence (with most of the Tudors going to the MN). Look behind the 7922

amazing LS!
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Old 7 May 2020, 09:40 PM   #23
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amazing LS!
Just Giddy
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Old 7 May 2020, 10:14 AM   #24
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Simply sublime. Thanks for sharing, Phillip!
dP
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Old 7 May 2020, 10:18 AM   #25
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So great to see this work. thanks as always for sharing!
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Old 7 May 2020, 10:14 PM   #26
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Philip
To what do you attribute the broken jewel, scored axle and other excessive wear on the internal parts? Lack of service/lubrication over the years - or some other cause?

I think this photo best shows the reason Rolex changed the crown guard shape.



The eagle beaked ones that followed gave more finger room when winding or setting the time. A good example of form following function in the evolution of this model over time.


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Old 8 May 2020, 01:24 AM   #27
phillip ridley
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Philip
To what do you attribute the broken jewel, scored axle and other excessive wear on the internal parts? Lack of service/lubrication over the years - or some other cause?

I think this photo best shows the reason Rolex changed the crown guard shape.



The eagle beaked ones that followed gave more finger room when winding or setting the time. A good example of form following function in the evolution of this model over time.


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Simply put...abuse and lack of service.

The bluish coloration on the mainplate I believe was due to heat. In the past when the movement was cleaned then dried - I believe it was left in the solution/dryer too long.
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Old 8 May 2020, 01:49 AM   #28
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Great job.

That's one ready for a museum before it's lost to the rest of us.
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Old 13 September 2020, 08:43 PM   #29
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Great job.

That's one ready for a museum before it's lost to the rest of us.
Agreed.
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Old 8 May 2020, 01:56 AM   #30
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Originally Posted by phillip ridley View Post
Simply put...abuse and lack of service.

The bluish coloration on the mainplate I believe was due to heat. In the past when the movement was cleaned then dried - I believe it was left in the solution/dryer too long.

Thanks much


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