{"product_id":"rolex-submariner-ref-5512-gilt-dial","title":"Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512 - 'Gilt' Dial","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Rolex Submariner is a true icon — and the word \"icon\" does get thrown around an awful lot. If you were to ask ten people at random to draw you their idea of a watch looks like, chances are they would draw or describe something that looks like a Rolex Submariner. It’s the dive watch of reference, and good\/bad\/indifferent there is no escaping it. Throughout its 70-year production, there have been countless small changes made to the model, with the Reference 5512 representing a very interesting period in the Submariner story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ref. 5512 was originally sold alongside the 5513 as an up-market chronometer certified version of the venerable dive watch icon. During its production run, the 5512 series transitioned from the glossy gilt dials of the early 1960s, to matte dials in the later examples — as well as a bevy of different case and crown guard shapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-block-type=\"description\" class=\"product-info__block-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"prose\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe piece that we have here hails from the very end of the 5512 production run where gilt printed dials were still in use by the brand. Gilt dials are when the lettering and fonts are punched out of the dial so that the brass ‘gilt’ color shows through creating a golden text appearance. These are not very easy to produce and were ultimately discontinued by Rolex in the later half of the 1960s, as they couldn’t be produced in the same quantity as a matte dial - but nothing shines and glistens quite like these gilt dials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDating to circa 1966, this example is offered in strong overall condition. The case has been professionally refurbished to factory specification, with clear and defined lug chamfers. The bezel assembly is seemingly unpolished and retains strong factory finishing with correct 'fat font' insert that shows an attractive 'slate' blue fade. Inside, the glossy black 'gilt' dial is in very well preserved, with a clean glossy black surface, with beautiful evenly patinated luminous plots and a matching handset. It comes fitted to a 'rivet' Oyster bracelet with a signed blade clasp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many of us, this is what vintage is all about: subtle details, honest condition that tells a story, and uniqueness in wear\/patina. This one embodies all of the above!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Oliver \u0026 Clarke","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51937281638717,"sku":"OC1655","price":36500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0765\/6138\/3741\/files\/ROLEX_SUB_MTRS_FIRST_WEB_1.jpg?v=1783457998","url":"https:\/\/oliverandclarke.com\/products\/rolex-submariner-ref-5512-gilt-dial","provider":"Oliver \u0026 Clarke Vintage Watches","version":"1.0","type":"link"}