We are thrilled to offer you a truly special Submariner with a remarkable backstory. Let us walk you through what makes this piece so unique.
This is an early 1962 Submariner Reference 5512 featuring the distinctive "pointed crown guard" design, a "two-liner dial" (this era includes versions with additional lines of text, such as "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified"), and a "chapter ring" (also known as a connected minute track) around the outer rim of the dial. Additionally, it features the famous "exclamation point" at the bottom of the dial — a small application of luminous material under the 6 o’clock hour marker.
The significance of the "exclamation point" has been a topic of debate among collectors for years. Some believe it marks the switch to tritium lume, though the evidence remains inconclusive.
The period from the 1950s to the mid-1960s was a golden era for Rolex. Watches produced during this time have captivated collectors for decades. Many collectors are driven not just by the desire for vintage watches, but by the pursuit of timepieces whose dials have been well-preserved and show the distinct character of aging.
Thanks to Rolex's patented Oyster case, with its screw-down case back and winding crown, many of these watches have survived the test of time, giving collectors much to celebrate.
Now, let’s talk about this particular Submariner:
The case is absolutely stunning — look at those sharp, defined lines and the standout crown guard. The fat font bezel insert is in excellent condition, showing only subtle aging and fading to a lovely dark grey.
The dial is in fantastic shape, retaining its glossy finish. The lume plots have developed a beautiful warm beige tone, while the gilt text has maintained its rich gold hue. There is some slight lume loss on the minute hand, but overall, the dial presents beautifully.
But here’s the best part — the provenance.
This watch was purchased in 1962 by the original owner in Canada, where it was used as his professional dive watch. The owner worked as a professional diver with the Canadian Search and Rescue (SAR) team in the Vancouver area, and also served as a dive instructor. He used the watch extensively in the line of duty, making it a true tool watch with a unique history.
The original Rolex Oyster bracelet (Ref. 7206) bears the diver's initials, “AR,” engraved on the clasp. However, the watch was primarily worn on an expandable steel bracelet with sterling silver end links — take a look at the pictures for a glimpse of this incredibly stylish setup!
Further adding to its cool factor, we have a handwritten letter from the original owner, some excerpts of which include:
“At the time, there was no Coast Guard, so we were called upon for search and rescue missions. Some of the calls were to Port Moody, and one in the Fraser River after a tugboat sank with the skipper on board. We were called for other rescues as needed. I stopped teaching and competitive diving after about ten years. I wore the watch for many years — it was always reliable. As I am now 86 years old, I will not be living any longer. Good luck with the watch!”
How amazing is that?
Additionally, we also have a copy of the owner's Certificate of Achievement from the University of British Columbia, where he completed classes to become a skin diving instructor in 1962.
There’s also an envelope from SAR (Search and Rescue in Canada) and a book about the Canadian Search and Rescue Organization, titled Heartbreak and Heroism — the very organization the owner served with!
The watch has been fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker .
We highly recommend considering this incredible Submariner — a timepiece with such quality and a unique backstory doesn't come around often & this would be the pinnacle of any connoisseur’s Submariner collection!
Specifications:
- Rolex Submariner Reference 5512
- 40mm steel case
- Serial 818xxx dating to 1961
- Amazing glossy gilt dial with exclamation dot and two lines of text
- Fat font dark grey insert
- Rivet Oyster bracelet reference 7206 with 80 endlinks Clasp stamped 1 61 , hand engraved “A R “ by first owner
- Extra expandable steel bracelet with stylish Sterling silver “endlinks”
- Coming with a letter of Provence of the first owner, copy of certificate of achievement for becoming a dive instructor
- Envelope of the Canadian Search and Rescue organization
- Book “Heartbreak and Heroism “
- An older invoice for the service of this watch
- Fully checked by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping