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279

Rolex

Ref. 5512 inside caseback stamped 1.61

Submariner "Meter First, Glossy Tropical Dial"

A very attractive stainless steel diver's wristwatch with glossy tropical dial and pointed crown guards

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Launched in 1959, the Rolex Submariner reference 5512 was the first Submariner to feature crown guards. That year, Rolex introduced this major upgrade that improved the reliability and robustness of the tool watch underwater. Over its 15 years of production, the model saw different generations that distinguish themselves mainly by the crown guards shape or inscription on the dial. This variant features pointed crown guards, chapter ring and only 2 lines of gilt text on the black glossy dial. This early example stands out by the absence of signs that would indicate the use of tritium in the luminous.

This very efficient tool watch is presented today in excellent condition. In addition to finding a watch that displays all the original and distinctive features of its generation, the savvy collector will be seduced by the most appealing color of its dial. With the effect of time, the later has wonderfully turned to a warm and deep chocolate brown giving this superb watch an even more attractive appeal.

In 1867, Julius Joske founded a department store in Texas (San Antonio). By the 50s’ it was the largest store in Texas and in the country. It was also an official Rolex retailer. Joske had Rolex bracelets made for them in Mexico in the 60s and 70s in order to minimize taxes.

Rolex

Swiss | 1905

Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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