Rolex Submariner 5512 4-liner Gilt Chapter Ring Exclamation point Dial Pointed Crown Guards Case

Introduced in 1959, the Rolex Submariner reference 5512 is widely regarded as one of the most important dive watches ever produced. Manufactured until approximately 1980, it established the blueprint for the modern Submariner by introducing crown guards and increasing the Oyster case to the now-classic 40mm diameter. Although it shared much of its appearance with the reference 5513, the 5512 was produced in far smaller numbers, making it one of the most sought-after vintage Submariners today.

Prior to the 5512, Submariners featured “no crown guard” cases, leaving the winding crown exposed to knocks and impacts. With the 5512, Rolex introduced protective crown guards, a defining feature that would become standard across the Submariner line. Their design evolved through three distinct phases over the years.

The earliest examples from 1959 featured square crown guards. While exceptionally rare today, they proved somewhat impractical, as their blocky shape made it difficult for professional divers to unscrew the crown while wearing gloves.

Rolex soon replaced them with the elegant pointed crown guards—known among collectors as “PCG” or Cornino—whose tapered profile improved accessibility while giving the watch one of its most distinctive silhouettes.

By 1964, the familiar rounded crown guards were introduced, a design that remained in production until the end of the reference and continues to define the Submariner to this day.

The movement also evolved during production. Early reference 5512s were powered by the non-chronometer calibre 1530 and featured the clean “two-line” dial, displaying only the model designation and depth rating above six o’clock.

In 1962, Rolex upgraded the 5512 with chronometer-certified calibres 1560 and later 1570. As a result, the dial gained the additional “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” text, creating the familiar four-line layout.

That same year, Rolex introduced the reference 5513. Although nearly identical in appearance, it retained a non-chronometer movement and the simpler two-line dial, allowing Rolex to offer it at a more accessible price. The 5513 remained in production for a similar length of time and was manufactured in substantially larger numbers—estimated at nearly ten times the production of the 5512—making original 5512s considerably scarcer and especially desirable among collectors today.

Offered here is an early 1963 example featuring the highly desirable pointed crown guard (PCG) case. The case remains beautifully full and strong, while the bezel insert has gracefully faded to a rich mid-blue tone. We often think of a bezel insert as the frame around a painting—the right frame makes all the difference—and this one complements the dial beautifully.

The glossy gilt chapter ring dial is equally attractive and features the sought-after “Exclamation Point” configuration, named after the small lume dot positioned beneath the six o’clock marker, creating the appearance of an exclamation mark.

The tritium lume has aged to a warm beige tone, perfectly complementing the rich golden gilt printing. The hands are later service replacements, fitted with matte tritium and no longer reacting under UV light.

The watch is paired with one of our own Bulang and Sons leather straps—a combination we think suits this vintage Submariner exceptionally well. Fully serviced by our watchmaker, this 1963 icon is ready for many more years of adventures.

Beautifully framed, beautifully aged, beautifully honest , Pointed guards, gilt dial, Exclamation Point… some Submariners really do have it all. Get in touch!

Specifications:

• Rolex Submariner Reference 5512

• 40mm steel case, pointed crown guard

• Serial 870xxx dating to 1963

• Four line gilt, chapter ring dial with “Exclamation Point”, cream colour lume

• Faded fat font bezel insert

• Bulang and sons leather strap

• Fully serviced by our watchmaker

• One-year mechanical warranty

• Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping