New inherited 5512

[rotobob]

My grandfather, before he dies, is giving some of his things away to his grandchildren. Unfortunately, he sold his 68 SS/RS Convertible Camaro for $6500 some years ago (don't get me started) so I won the grandfather lottery am the proud owner of his 5512 from 1967. He bought it on a trip to Cali to play Pebble Beach. It is serial number 1,361,xxx vintage. Apparen't he was doing OK back then to get the Sub and the Camaro.

He wore this watch every day of his life since he bought it. Business meetings, digging ditches, it didn't matter. He only took it off to let a few of his grandkids put it on from time to time. Beyond the prestige of the watch, this watch IS my grandfather, classy, durable, whatever you can think of, plus I've never seen him with it off until he gave it to me.

So, now that I have it, what do I do? It is in pretty good shape, minus the crystal's encounter with a brick wall. Replacing the crystal is no problem, I'm all for character, but these scratches are over the top for that. I've cleaned the outside as well as it can be with microfiber towels, qtips and toothpicks. I took off the bezel and cleaned all that out as well. It's amazing how much skin and oil can accumulate there.

The last time it was serviced was in 2003, by Rolex. I'm not sure when they were replaced, but the dial is not the original, nor do I think the hands are. I can't tell about the bezel insert yet. The bracelet is from 2003 as well, AD code, and is in good shape with little stretching, although the screws are a little "cammed". All the rest is original. I have absolutely no desire to do anything to it except replace the crystal. For the 32 years that I can remember wanting this watch, it was about it being a Rolex, now it's more about my grandfather, and I'll wear it the same way he did.

So, to ensure it keeps on chronometering superlatively for my lifetime as well, what's my best plan? Also, where can I get new bracelet screws? Dealer?

I'll try to attach some pics later, Thanks

Pics added, could be better.

[Renoir]

Welcome to TRF!

Congrats on the 5512, sounds like an honest to goodness family heirloom.

If I were to be a benificiary of such a wonderful timepiece, the first thing I would do for peace of mind, is to send it to a vintage specialist watchmaker and have it checked over/serviced. You mentioned it had it's last service in 2003, so it seems due.

If you do a search in the vintage forum, you will find posts regarding experiences and watchmakers used so you can find one that will work for you.

Good luck and congrats!

[marke]

Fantastico

[clum19]

sounds like an awesome heirloom. I received my grandfather's vintage omega seamaster and feel the same way... i'd love to hear the story behind the 68 rs/ss being sold for 6500. what a dream car

[slcbbrown]

Congratulations. First thing I'd do is get it serviced by a competent watch guy. I believe that a typical service would include a replacement crystal-- the acrylic crystals are inexpensive and are changed at service time to insure watertightness.

The service will also get you a very nice polishing done by experts (if you want it) that will probably astound you when you get it back.

[padi56]

Great old timer but a great pity original dial was changed,but as a family watch would doubt if you would ever sell it.But I would have it serviced soon to get crystal changed as part or normal service.

[JP(Canada)]

Lovely watch. As has been said already, perhaps get the movement service done and the crystal replaced and you'll be good to go for at least another 7 years. Wear it in good health!

[rotobob]

Service is definately coming down the pike, with a new crystal. I'll research other threads on that. I'm only about 1.5 hours from NYC, so either RSC or quality watch repair independant surely can be found close.

I'll glove slap anyone who polishes this watch. To me, that would ruin what it has become. Maybe that will change over time when it truley becomes mine, and not my grandfathers watch that I get to wear.

Speaking of Omega, I also have taken possesion of my father's (passed this year from a cancer that 1 in many million get) 1971 Speedmaster. There was always something about it that he never wanted to talk about, so it sat in a drawer for most of it's life, minus the bezel face. I guess I'll never know the story now.

And long story short, the Camaro was sold in late 80s for what he owed on taxes for a building deal he was involved in. Listed it in the paper and a guy from Canada just happened to be the first guy who came by, was just driving through town. The guy left his car in Nashville and drive the best deal of his life back up to Hamilton, ON. Garage kept 396 V8 with 50k miles. original tires were on it... Anyway, he also never wanted his grandkids ever to fight over it, so he didn't really care.

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by rotobob

Service is definately coming down the pike, with a new crystal. I'll research other threads on that. I'm only about 1.5 hours from NYC, so either RSC or quality watch repair independant surely can be found close.

I'll glove slap anyone who polishes this watch. To me, that would ruin what it has become. Maybe that will change over time when it truley becomes mine, and not my grandfathers watch that I get to wear.

Speaking of Omega, I also have taken possesion of my father's (passed this year from a cancer that 1 in many million get) 1971 Speedmaster. There was always something about it that he never wanted to talk about, so it sat in a drawer for most of it's life, minus the bezel face. I guess I'll never know the story now.

And long story short, the Camaro was sold in late 80s for what he owed on taxes for a building deal he was involved in. Listed it in the paper and a guy from Canada just happened to be the first guy who came by, was just driving through town. The guy left his car in Nashville and drive the best deal of his life back up to Hamilton, ON. Garage kept 396 V8 with 50k miles. original tires were on it... Anyway, he also never wanted his grandkids ever to fight over it, so he didn't really care.

That is a great watch you have there, with a wonderful story! I was just about to tell you NOT to polish the case, but you said it yourself. Make sure to give very specific instructions to the guys servicing the watch. Have it serviced before you even let it close to water.

I wish I had such a watch.

Best,

A

[rfknauss]

Congratulations on the 5512 ..... beautiful vintage Sub!
You could take your watch to Bixlers Jewelers in Whitehall (Rolex AD) ...... not too far from you ..... I took my 5513 there for service ...... they sent it to the RSC in Lititz PA .... they did a great job ..... got the watch back within 3 weeks.

If you decide to go there, ask for Beth and tell her I sent you.

And welcome to TRF!

[rockyn]

Awesome, a 5512 and it was your Grandpa's to boot. you are a lucky man.

[belk7]

These are the types of stories that represent the very best of quality vintage watches. An old pocket watch of my grandfather's and my dad's early '60's Omega are the two prizes of my collection, even though neither has much monetary value. The previous posters have given you great advice on service, and you are very wise to keep the polishing down on one with this kind of history. Congrats on owning something that will always have tremendous value to you and your family.

[flathead59]

"So, to ensure it keeps on chronometering superlatively for my lifetime as well, what's my best plan?"

Now, that's funny right there, I don't care who you are!!

Mark

[ParisDakarBmw]

Beautiful watch! Welcome to the forums!

[mike]

Nice. Service it and wear it. So what if the dial has been replaced. The memories and what this watch represents can never be.

[ersnyder]

Great story and a great piece of your family's history. Welcome to TRF!!

[rotobob]

Anyone know what the vintage of the dial is on this watch?

I just spent an hour looking for a non-date submariner "feet/meters second" 4 line dial where the SUBMARINER name is not red, but I couldn't even find a picture of one, or find it referenced.

The closest I can find is the ones with SUBMARINER or ones like mine, but with larger font and a date window.

My guess is it's a relatively non-interesting replacement dial from Rolex during service, but I find it somewhat strange I can't find and reference.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/n...b/IMG_2684.jpg

Thanks

[rotobob]

OK, so it figures I would find one pic of the same dial I have minutes later.

http://rolexforums.com/showpost.php?...06&postcount=8

So, now I don't know if this is the original dial or not. What type of dial would a 1.3mil range serial number have? It seems right at the time they switched to tritium/