5512 expert help

[watchfreak207]

I was offered a 5512 gilt at a really attractive price. No bracelet at the 1.2M series. So places this watch around 1965. Does this watch look alright to you?




What really bugged me is that I found this exact watch listed previously with a different dial by a different seller, could be years ago as no listing date. I know the watch is the same cause it comes with a very unique back case engraving and same serial number. Now here is the weird part. It was listed as a 5512 as well but it’s a 2 liner. From what i know, 5512 2 liners are chapter rings and doesn’t come in Swiss T25.
Could it be the prev seller tried to pass it off as a 2 line 5512 with a 5513 dial?



I just feel a bit uneasy knowing this or should i still consider this 5512 at a really good price? TIA


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[swish77]

Originally Posted by watchfreak207

I just feel a bit uneasy knowing this or should i still consider this 5512 at a really good price? TIA

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Why on earth would you even consider a watch that you know has a questionable history? The price doesn't matter. Big pass.

[joli160]

If the seller has been fooling around with dials no telling what more he did.
After your own detective work I’d pass.

[SOG DIVER]

5512 early Submariners around 1959-1963 had chapter rings and were gilt dialed both
as chronometers and 2-liners. The 5513 reference was issued in late 1963. I own a 1960 Rolex 5512 chronometer with PCG, chapter ring, and gilt dial.
Many 5512 watches have 5513 case backs as Rolex did this. From your own due diligence,
I would be leery of both the watch and seller. Of course you could confront the seller
with what you know. Ask to have the watch inspected by a competent watchmaker,
then offer half of his price. Then walk away.

[springer]

Looks like someone has had their way with the dial lately. Not much value in it now.

[newkidonblock4]

the original dial was pretty neat

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by swish77

Why on earth would you even consider a watch that you know has a questionable history? The price doesn't matter. Big pass.

I agree in principle, but unless you have original images of 60 year old watches it’s pretty impossible to know if the dial was originally installed or not. There are many businesses who buy and sell dials and readily swap them out to create the perfect vintage.
In this instance the 2 line dial is much nicer.

[watchfreak207]

Just for discussion, i dont think it’s possible for this 5512 to be a 2 liner. The case number is 122XXXX which is around 1964/65?. The case back inside is also dated I65. 2 liners are earlier and only with chapter ring i believe.