Rolex Meters First Submariner Reference 5512 Unpolished w/ Box

This Rolex Submariner reference 5512 is an incredibly attractive example with puffy warm colored lume. The watch has a 1.83M serial dating to circa 1968. It is an gorgeous matte dial with super attractive luminous material. It features the original bezel insert. The case appears to be unpolished. It is was paired on a 7205 Rolex rivet bracelet with 80 end links dating to 1968.

According to Rolex, the Submariner reference 5512’s production consisted of only 17,338 examples. The Submariner reference 5513’s production consisted of a much larger amount, 151,449 examples! Both Eric and I were quite astonished at the number of 5512 Submariners produced being a mere 17,338, as we assumed it was much larger - in the tens of thousands. In simplified terms, there was only just about one 5512 produced for every ten 5513s produced (or 11.4% specifically).

It is extremely rare to find a great Submariner reference 5512. These are some of my favorite watches of all time.

This watch does not come with papers. lt does come with a box. We do not know the service history, but it is running great! It recently passed a water resistance test of 5 bar.

Learn more about the iconic Submariner within Charlie Dunne’s comprehensive article “Collector’s Guide: Understanding The Rolex Submariner Reference 5512’.

To learn more about the Rolex Submariner, you can read my ‘Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner’ article and corresponding video.

PRICE: $29,000 (Item SBUXYT5592)