Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, 200m=660ft, Submariner, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified, Ref. 5512, Case No. 1'249'022, Circa 1965

The Rolex Submariner reference 5512 is considered an icon of Rolex production. Along with the reference 5513, they were a design improvement from their predecessors by adding “crown guards” to help prevent the stem and crown from being damaged by being hit directly against a hard object. The reference 5512 featured a chronometer-rated movement and the added text on the dial.

The first Submariner model with crown guards, this watch also features the popular black lacquer dial, which is often referred to as a black gloss dial. These black dials must be regarded as the ultimate state of the art in dial manufacturing as they reveal a rich complexity of different layers applied to the metal base. The bezel of this watch was lost during its life and has not been replaced.

With a "four-line dial", the two lines of the depth rating and “SUBMARINER” are in gold or “gilt” text while “SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED” is split across two lines in silver text. The gilt first two lines and minute markings are not printed on the black background but underneath and shine through in negative relief. However, to further enhance its sophistication, the silvered text to show that this watch has been chronometer certified is superimposed and printed onto the black background.