Lot 310 | Rolex | Submariner 5512 "Square Crown Guard"

ROLEX
Submariner 5512 "Square Crown Guard".

Type of watch: Wristwatch.
Origin: Switzerland, Geneva.
Date: 1959.
Clockwork: Automatic, cal. 1560.
Case/Wristband: Steel, riveted oyster bracelet with folding clasp, 'Tropical Dial' black, hands silver, indices cream-coloured, luminous material.
Total Weight: Ca. 85g.
Measurement: Ø 40mm, length 17cm.
Case-No: 477991, Gehäuseboden III.59.
Reference-No: 5512.
Movement-No.: D53342.
Description: Extremely rare transitional model with historical significance. The Rolex Submariner Reference 5512 with so-called ‘square crown guards’ offered here is one of the most sought-after and rarest models in Submariner history. Produced only for a very short period from late 1959 to early 1960, this example marks a decisive step in the development of Rolex's professional diving watches. With the introduction of the Reference 5512, Rolex fitted crown guards to the side of the case for the first time – a significant technical improvement designed to protect the crown from damage when used underwater. These models are known today among collectors as "Square Crown Guards". However, this design was discontinued after only a few months as the angular shape proved to be unwieldy in practice. The transition to pointed crown guards and later rounded crown guards took place quickly, meaning that only a tiny proportion of the 5512 models remained in this original configuration. This model has all the characteristic features of this early design: an electroplated blackened ‘two-liner’ gilt dial with gold-plated lettering, a stainless steel case with a diameter of approx. 40 mm
diameter, a domed plexiglass (Tropic glass) and the classic rotating bezel with black aluminium inlay. Inside, the reliable automatic calibre 1560 is at work,
which at that time was not yet necessarily certified as a chronometer.
Accordingly, many of these early pieces lack the ‘Superlative Chronometer’ lettering that later became typical
on the dial. Particularly noteworthy is the extraordinary rarity of this transitional model. It is estimated that today only
very few original Square Crown Guards remain in existence worldwide.
The demand on the vintage market is correspondingly high. Only a small double-digit number of such watches are known to be in the hands of collectors and museums. Authentic models with untouched cases, original dials and matching serial numbers are among
the most valuable vintage Submariners of all time.

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