An Etremely Rare 5512 Square Crown Guard

[phillip ridley]

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.

[brandrea]

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

[goldfixer21]

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.

[btinl]

Wow, amazing restoration. Thanks for sharing

[Flyingpig698]

What a rare piece and great work there!


Best Regards,
Danny

[cowboy music]

Amazing. Thanks for sharing these. I always love your posts.

[214270Explorer]

Thanks! Please show more of these in the future!

[dbhak22]

SO COOL. Thanks (as always) for sharing these stories/examples!

[TimeLord2]

What a beauty, and some incredible patina on that dial! Very nice work and as always great pictures!

[subtona]

SUPER SPECIAL!

beautiful to see a thoughtful restoration and preservation of a piece of history.

[1675-David]

WOW!! now that's something you don't see everyday, thanks Phillip for sharing.

[cowboy music]

Question for the experts - are the hands replaced? I am thinking that the minute hand should reach to the minute track.

[unprdctb1e]

BEAUTIFUL!!!! Great work!!!!


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[phillip ridley]

Originally Posted by cowboy music

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.

[iliketime]

fantastic restoration work!

[linesiders]

Wow. Drool. Well Friekin' Done

That watch PEGS the needle, hard ; )

(I am only ascared of the level of photo detail for the fakers)

[Styles Bitchley]

Beautiful. Those crown guards are a very pleasing shape, actually.

[BigBlue1]

Originally Posted by goldfixer21

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.

[BigBlue1]

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?

[Dan Pierce]

Simply sublime. Thanks for sharing, Phillip!
dP

[Tom1675]

So great to see this work. thanks as always for sharing!

[phillip ridley]

Originally Posted by BigBlue1

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.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by BigBlue1

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

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by linesiders

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!

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

amazing LS!

Just Giddy

[77T]

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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[phillip ridley]

Originally Posted by 77T

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.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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.

[Tools]

Great job.

That's one ready for a museum before it's lost to the rest of us.

[77T]

Originally Posted by phillip ridley

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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[Tomas Eriksson]

I have seen quite a few bad after market dials but that one is in a league of its own. Thank you for sharing macro pics of the original dial, amazing patina.