The Rolex Submariner ref. 5512 with matte dials was introduced circa 1967 replacing its “glossy” gilt predecessor. Early examples of matte dials featured “meters first” dials which had a softer black finish and printed white text. In 1969, the final generations of 5512 was released with tell-tale signs such as the “feet first” depth rating on the dial. Marked as 660ft-200m and the C.O.S.C certification beneath, hence the 4-liner, the luminous plots were enlarged and deemed by collectors as the Maxi dial.
The present lot is dated from circa 1977 bearing a 5.4 million case number features a matte black dial with four lines of text. It is fitted with an early 'Maxi 1' Dial that are produced for only a year around 1977 until 1978. The present Rolex Submariner ref. 5512 “Maxi four liner dial” has aged with luminous plots that have developed an attractive ivory-cream hue with incredible vintage appeal. Rare to come by, this no-date Submariner is the perfect no-frills vintage tool watch for daily wear.
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.
