A brief discussion surrounding the Rolex 5512 Submariner, its design evolution and foundation as the watch that would remain virtually unchanged for half a century.
Great video. My own history with the 5512 dates back to 1962 when I was living in Zurich Switzerland. I was only 13, but when I first noticed the Submariner display at the Rolex dealer , I was just blown away. Ten years later I was shopping for a new watch and dropped into my local Rolex dealer. A salesman there asked if I was interested in a outdoor watch. He went in the back and came out with a 1966, 5512, meters first, Sub. Evidently someone had bought it then returned it. He said I could have it for $150. Fifty years later it is still on my wrist. You are 100% correct, it is widely regarded as the most iconic and important watch design ever made. Cheers
Completely agree, Vaughan. The cyclops just irks me...especially when we can look at how Panerai handles magnification with the lens underneath the glass. Thank you for the comments as always, man!
One small correction. Indeed the Fifty Fathoms was introduced first at the Basilworld in 1953. But it was not the first. The production of the Submariner was in parallel with the FF at the same time. The Sub references 6200 and 6204 were produced in February 1953! So the Submariner is as old as the FF if not older. And with one more difference. While the FF had a depth rate of only 91 meters, the Subs had a depth rate of 100 meters (6204) and 200 meters (6200).
Thank you for all the work you do to contribute to our watch community. Your effort doesn't go unnoticed. After following your channel for a brief time, I find myself studying my own collection and other watches with more focus on design trying to identify what attracts me to a certain watch.
This is such a thoughtful comment and thank you! It does feel like sometimes I'm shouting down an empty well, but reading comments like these means that something is happening! I think at the end of the day, that I what I am trying to communicate - a stepping back to really hone in on what makes the watch so unique, not looking at price, or god forbid, resale value, but just what makes it a great watch ;) Thank you for the comment, man!
Great to see all these different Sub-mariners as Archie says. The 5512 is surely a beautiful classic. I love the images of the 5514 and 5517 with their great sword hands (reminds me of the lovely Fifty Fathoms). Also the Subs with their great Explorer dials. Wow, If only Rolex would give us all of these different options to choose from these days! Instead we are stuck with an oversized ‘Maxi-case’. 👎 Another great video from you my friend. By the way, a big congratulations on reaching over 6,000 subscribers! 👍 ‘Onwards and Upwards’....... Oh sorry, that phrase belongs to an inferior channel, forgive me! ✊
Submareeeeners! Thanks for the great comment, brother! I have a strong feeling that the 114060's will be tapered down when they are given newer movements in 2020...but still, nothing competes with these older pieces. I so wish that they would be revitalised. And as someone who owns a Ginault Ocean Rover, I really feel like the size and proportions of the sword hands and the smaller case is phenomenal! And thank you for the congratulations on 6k, man (honestly, I barely take notice of the followers, but when the number rounds out it always surprises me)
Awesome historical review. Although I’m not the biggest Submariner fan, it is truly an icon, if not the most iconic watch ever made. Congrats on reaching 6000 subscribers. Keep the great video coming.
Thank you so much, man. The continual comments from you are great to read! And thank you for the congratulations! Never in a hundred years did I think this page would climb past 5000 people...
That is a dream of mine. Have the modern pieces, but then have a mint NOS 5512 in it's box as a full set....Thanks for the great comments as always, Ant!
I think 14060m is The Most beautiful sub ever, Original , but wearable, Saphire crystal, no Date, old bracelet, Aluminium bezel, 2 liner, no rehaut engravement, but crown guard, superluminova, white gold hands..... size, proportion is perfekt
It really is Brain, I am fortunate to have the 14060 as a birth year piece that I hope to source very soon! It is such a faithful example of the older models. Thank you for the comment, man!
I've always loved the 1570 movement over the 1520. The 5512 dial was a little busy with the four lines over the 5513 usual two lines, but a truly beautiful watch. I've owned the 5513, 14060 and now the 16600 Sea Dweller. All great watches.
This is an excellent video. I bought a birth year 5513 (1968) and, despite my collection including the latest white gold version, the 5513 is just astounding.
Wow, Anthony. I would kill to review your collection just hearing that you have these two pieces....congratulations on the birth year 5513. That is a superb model year! And thank you for the comment, man!
Thanks for that, man. I just assume that most people who know the sub, know the references hahaha! I will be more specific with the naming in the future ;)
And of everyone who watches my video's, you are the one man who could get his hands on one with ease ;) If you find a safe queen 5512, you have basically won watch collecting, mate! Thanks for the continual support, Jimmy
IDGuy you know I was in the US last week and I found a couple 5512 but no explorer dials unfortunately 😔 Not that I can afford the astronomical prices they are fetching! Lol
Excellent review and I 100% agree. There in nothing sexier than a vintage pointed crown guard 5512 (and 5513). If I could only have a two watch collection it would be a PCG 5512 and a GMT Master 1675 “Cornino-Pointed Crown Guard1675 GMT Pepsi.
I am definitely going to tackle the black bays in the future. And regarding Faux Patina, I really dig it. Maybe I'm in the minority, but the colour is what we crave and if we can get functionality from them as well, then it is the best of both worlds in my opinion ;)
@@ID-Guy thanks for the reply. your content is very valuable to the watch community because there is not a lot of content focused on watch design compared to engineering stuff like comparing movements.
Love your videos man! As a video idea I thought you can maybe take a look at your favorite watches from your design standpoint and tell us why you love them. That would be great! Keep up the good work, cheers!
Brilliant content as always, I have a few of these models mentioned in my collection but none of them have developed any patina still. I don't wear them, but simply keep them vaulted.
There is nothing wrong with the latest iteration at all! I guess I'm just looking at it from a development standpoint and not so much from a functional point of view. The modern pieces are leagues ahead of these practicality wise ;) Thanks for the comment as always, Derek!
Rolex, specifically the Submariner in this case, just doesn’t do it for me, even though I want it to. It just looks a bit dated (to me). To win me over, Rolex has to start putting in some effort and show that they are the king of watches for a reason. Right now it feels like they’re just cruising on earlier accomplishments, and the 50s and 60s are starting to become a very long time ago. That said, yes, the 5512 is the nicest one out of the lot.
Coasting on accomplishments are what brands do best! It really is sad because they have the power to make such a change. I admire their iconography, but appreciate a brand like Vacheron or JLC more for always trying to push the envelope, if you know what I mean? Thanks for the comment, Rectum! (phist)
IDGuy I know exactly what you mean! Rolex definitely have the power to do something new and fresh successfully, but they don’t have to and therefore they play it safe. I’d expect Rolex to be the “the alpha” watchmaker and lead the way forwards, but instead they’re sort of sitting back and cashing in. I feel like it takes more guts to go the route the JLC and VC are and it is hard not to respect that. Even though I don’t like all their creations, they stay interesting (to me, anyways) as a brand by bringing something new and respecting their own history while doing it. Btw, love all your vids!
You can buy Now for $368 US dollars. Lol www.noobwatchnews.com/vintage-submariner-no-date-5512-660ft200m-stainless-steel-black-dial-bracelet-plexi-plastic-crystal-on-asian-2836-movement/
@@ID-Guy incredible! Watches are a new thing for me... Its been barely a year,but I'm completely in love. You have really strong knowledge on what you're talking abou,and above all else, you aren't a watch snob! That just makes you more credible. Makes it easy to listen to you talk about Rolex, Piaget and Parnis all in the same breath :) Please keep it up.
There is no denying that all of the pieces in that transitional period all share that DNA. I also really dig the 5513 (but really what I meant was that the 5512 cemented the styling for all the future pieces) Thanks for the comment, Julien!
Love it, man! I took a standard strat and made it into a "Custom Shop" piece, by re finishing the neck, changing out the gear, adding new electronics etc etc. They are such fun to work on...oh, and playing them is an absolute treat! Thanks for the comment, brother
@@ID-Guy you're welcome . if you look at my channel you will see a variety of Teles and Strats and a 22 watt point to point wired valva amp that i've made and use to play my own Music . take care
It must be a generational thing. I really think the new Submariner is heads above any of the vintage Rolex. The maxi case and ceramic bezel make it more unique and improved in my opinion. Design and aesthetics are so subjective in the eye of the beholder.
Of course from a technicality side of things, the modern piece is superior, no denying that at all! I should have worded it better saying that the 5512 is great because it set the foundations that all future submariners were based on. Deep down I do like the six digit pieces and find their proportions great for purpose. Thanks for the comment, man!
Great! thank you for the video. I hope they go back to the traditional lugs before my son finish college as it seems that it is what he wants to commemorate it.
What a superb gift, Carlos! Well hey, you could always take a modern piece to a jeweller to cut and shape. Hell, I'd do it! ;) I can't wait to see photos of your 5916!
Because it is sleek and sporty, and it doesn't look like it was built by a WW2 Russian tank designer with huge ridiculous lugs. The new subs with their bravado lugs and crown guards are significantly less appealing. The symmetry is gone.
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Great video. My own history with the 5512 dates back to 1962 when I was living in Zurich Switzerland. I was only 13, but when I first noticed the Submariner display at the Rolex dealer , I was just blown away. Ten years later I was shopping for a new watch and dropped into my local Rolex dealer. A salesman there asked if I was interested in a outdoor watch. He went in the back and came out with a 1966, 5512, meters first, Sub. Evidently someone had bought it then returned it. He said I could have it for $150. Fifty years later it is still on my wrist. You are 100% correct, it is widely regarded as the most iconic and important watch design ever made. Cheers
Mil-Subs were very interesting. Not a Rolex fan but the Submariner is spot on especially the no date as the Cyclops really grates for me!
Completely agree, Vaughan. The cyclops just irks me...especially when we can look at how Panerai handles magnification with the lens underneath the glass. Thank you for the comments as always, man!
I share your exact sentiment. A 5512 on the wrist, a 964 in the garage and an Eames in the living room corner. Golden.
Can you just imagine? Phew...you sir, have good taste!
@@ID-Guy I guess that makes two of us ;) Your content just keeps getting better. Keep it up!
One small correction. Indeed the Fifty Fathoms was introduced first at the Basilworld in 1953. But it was not the first. The production of the Submariner was in parallel with the FF at the same time. The Sub references 6200 and 6204 were produced in February 1953! So the Submariner is as old as the FF if not older. And with one more difference. While the FF had a depth rate of only 91 meters, the Subs had a depth rate of 100 meters (6204) and 200 meters (6200).
Thank you for all the work you do to contribute to our watch community. Your effort doesn't go unnoticed. After following your channel for a brief time, I find myself studying my own collection and other watches with more focus on design trying to identify what attracts me to a certain watch.
This is such a thoughtful comment and thank you! It does feel like sometimes I'm shouting down an empty well, but reading comments like these means that something is happening! I think at the end of the day, that I what I am trying to communicate - a stepping back to really hone in on what makes the watch so unique, not looking at price, or god forbid, resale value, but just what makes it a great watch ;) Thank you for the comment, man!
Great to see all these different Sub-mariners as Archie says.
The 5512 is surely a beautiful classic. I love the images of the 5514 and 5517 with their great sword hands (reminds me of the lovely Fifty Fathoms). Also the Subs with their great Explorer dials.
Wow, If only Rolex would give us all of these different options to choose from these days! Instead we are stuck with an oversized ‘Maxi-case’. 👎
Another great video from you my friend.
By the way, a big congratulations on reaching over 6,000 subscribers! 👍
‘Onwards and Upwards’....... Oh sorry, that phrase belongs to an inferior channel, forgive me! ✊
Thomas Burnett Well phisted my friend 👊🏻
Submareeeeners! Thanks for the great comment, brother! I have a strong feeling that the 114060's will be tapered down when they are given newer movements in 2020...but still, nothing competes with these older pieces. I so wish that they would be revitalised. And as someone who owns a Ginault Ocean Rover, I really feel like the size and proportions of the sword hands and the smaller case is phenomenal! And thank you for the congratulations on 6k, man (honestly, I barely take notice of the followers, but when the number rounds out it always surprises me)
As the owner of a Triumph Bonneville I agree, things designed in the '50s & '60s just seem way cooler than later stuff 😉 Cheers 👍
inkitatus1 The Mercedes gullwing is also a fine example 🤓
I love the Bonneville! You are a lucky man and I totally agree with you. Products of the time were so, so different...
@@CinemaAtv Agree, Eliot. Imagine we all had Gullwing's in our driveways?
Awesome historical review. Although I’m not the biggest Submariner fan, it is truly an icon, if not the most iconic watch ever made. Congrats on reaching 6000 subscribers. Keep the great video coming.
Thank you so much, man. The continual comments from you are great to read! And thank you for the congratulations! Never in a hundred years did I think this page would climb past 5000 people...
Agreed. You can have a handful of modern Rolex’s, but you can’t go wrong with either a 5512 or 5513. Superb vid!
That is a dream of mine. Have the modern pieces, but then have a mint NOS 5512 in it's box as a full set....Thanks for the great comments as always, Ant!
I think 14060m is The Most beautiful sub ever, Original , but wearable, Saphire crystal, no Date, old bracelet, Aluminium bezel, 2 liner, no rehaut engravement, but crown guard, superluminova, white gold hands..... size, proportion is perfekt
It really is Brain, I am fortunate to have the 14060 as a birth year piece that I hope to source very soon! It is such a faithful example of the older models. Thank you for the comment, man!
I remember falling in love with the no date Sub after watching Nick Nolte diving on a shipwreck in the 1977 movie - "The Deep!"
Another well-produced and informative video. A great review of Submariner history. Thanks mate.
Thank you for always watching them, David! It's such a blast making these
I've always loved the 1570 movement over the 1520. The 5512 dial was a little busy with the four lines over the 5513 usual two lines, but a truly beautiful watch. I've owned the 5513, 14060 and now the 16600 Sea Dweller. All great watches.
This is an excellent video. I bought a birth year 5513 (1968) and, despite my collection including the latest white gold version, the 5513 is just astounding.
Wow, Anthony. I would kill to review your collection just hearing that you have these two pieces....congratulations on the birth year 5513. That is a superb model year! And thank you for the comment, man!
*Slowly pulls glasses off of face* "So you're telling me that there are OTHER Submariners besides the 5512???"
You won't beleive it, but there are! Only like 15 other references ;)
IDGuy That sounds like the Easter Bunny; i don't believe in them.
Fantastic video where I learned something new. I also bought my Submariner due to James Bond.
Huge fan of the 14060!
And so is the Rolex 5513 which is virtually the same watch. Very common for Rolex to use parts between the two references.
It was such a jumbled period in time where parts were just thrown around in the workshop haha! Thanks for the comment, man!
Would be better if the model reference number appeared under each watch during the vid
Thanks for that, man. I just assume that most people who know the sub, know the references hahaha! I will be more specific with the naming in the future ;)
Well done mate, explorer dial 5512 is the ultimate 👌🏻
And of everyone who watches my video's, you are the one man who could get his hands on one with ease ;) If you find a safe queen 5512, you have basically won watch collecting, mate! Thanks for the continual support, Jimmy
IDGuy you know I was in the US last week and I found a couple 5512 but no explorer dials unfortunately 😔
Not that I can afford the astronomical prices they are fetching! Lol
This is a brilliant piece of design history analysis. Superb
Excellent review and I 100% agree. There in nothing sexier than a vintage pointed crown guard 5512 (and 5513). If I could only have a two watch collection it would be a PCG 5512 and a GMT Master 1675 “Cornino-Pointed Crown Guard1675 GMT Pepsi.
A fascinating explication. Thank you. Cheers
Thank you, Piers! That really means a lot!
Brilliant video. Thank you for such a well researched and interesting video :)
Thanks a ton, Jeffrey! I thoroughly enjoy these topics and it's such fun putting everything into context
Great informative video on the Submariner history line of Rolex watches!
please do the tudor black bay 58. im curious about whether you think the faux vintage design is well executed
I am definitely going to tackle the black bays in the future. And regarding Faux Patina, I really dig it. Maybe I'm in the minority, but the colour is what we crave and if we can get functionality from them as well, then it is the best of both worlds in my opinion ;)
@@ID-Guy thanks for the reply. your content is very valuable to the watch community because there is not a lot of content focused on watch design compared to engineering stuff like comparing movements.
Love your videos man! As a video idea I thought you can maybe take a look at your favorite watches from your design standpoint and tell us why you love them. That would be great! Keep up the good work, cheers!
I love the 5512
Succinct and to the point ;) Thanks for watching, Craig!
Brilliant content as always, I have a few of these models mentioned in my collection but none of them have developed any patina still. I don't wear them, but simply keep them vaulted.
Thank you for another great and informative video, please keep them coming.
Thank you for taking the time to watch them, Farshad! I plan on never stopping them ;)
Good man. Are you based in London.
I like the latest iteration, l suppose nostalgia has its place. I'm not into antiques however. Cheers
There is nothing wrong with the latest iteration at all! I guess I'm just looking at it from a development standpoint and not so much from a functional point of view. The modern pieces are leagues ahead of these practicality wise ;) Thanks for the comment as always, Derek!
Derek Shearer You can’t beat the functionality and ergonomics of a modern Ceramic Submariner.
Rolex, specifically the Submariner in this case, just doesn’t do it for me, even though I want it to. It just looks a bit dated (to me). To win me over, Rolex has to start putting in some effort and show that they are the king of watches for a reason. Right now it feels like they’re just cruising on earlier accomplishments, and the 50s and 60s are starting to become a very long time ago. That said, yes, the 5512 is the nicest one out of the lot.
Coasting on accomplishments are what brands do best! It really is sad because they have the power to make such a change. I admire their iconography, but appreciate a brand like Vacheron or JLC more for always trying to push the envelope, if you know what I mean? Thanks for the comment, Rectum! (phist)
IDGuy I know exactly what you mean! Rolex definitely have the power to do something new and fresh successfully, but they don’t have to and therefore they play it safe. I’d expect Rolex to be the “the alpha” watchmaker and lead the way forwards, but instead they’re sort of sitting back and cashing in.
I feel like it takes more guts to go the route the JLC and VC are and it is hard not to respect that. Even though I don’t like all their creations, they stay interesting (to me, anyways) as a brand by bringing something new and respecting their own history while doing it.
Btw, love all your vids!
I have this a watch and it is amazing, but the Perspex “crystal” scratches like crazy. Easy to polish but a pain.
I'm still hoping for a 5513 re-release
You can buy Now for $368 US dollars. Lol www.noobwatchnews.com/vintage-submariner-no-date-5512-660ft200m-stainless-steel-black-dial-bracelet-plexi-plastic-crystal-on-asian-2836-movement/
Aren't we all? It would be an absolute killing...would it be more popular than the ceramic daytona's? Interesting thought
Great content.. Discovered you literally today. Watched lik 4vids 😅 You sound South African
I'm as South African as it gets, Musanete ;) And thank you for the support, brother! I hope to continue bringing these out as often as possible.
@@ID-Guy incredible! Watches are a new thing for me... Its been barely a year,but I'm completely in love.
You have really strong knowledge on what you're talking abou,and above all else, you aren't a watch snob! That just makes you more credible. Makes it easy to listen to you talk about Rolex, Piaget and Parnis all in the same breath :)
Please keep it up.
I have to agree with you.
Back in the day the sub case looked good.
Nice!
Thank you, Craig! I cannot wait to sink my teeth into Grand Seiko!
@@ID-Guy You will have fun! www.craigshipp.com/grandseiko
I feel the 114060 is the best in style and quality, but I do like them all.
5513 2 liners better
There is no denying that all of the pieces in that transitional period all share that DNA. I also really dig the 5513 (but really what I meant was that the 5512 cemented the styling for all the future pieces) Thanks for the comment, Julien!
dude .. i built some Strats and Teles as well . playing guitars is cool .
Love it, man! I took a standard strat and made it into a "Custom Shop" piece, by re finishing the neck, changing out the gear, adding new electronics etc etc. They are such fun to work on...oh, and playing them is an absolute treat! Thanks for the comment, brother
@@ID-Guy you're welcome . if you look at my channel you will see a variety of Teles and Strats and a 22 watt point to point wired valva amp that i've made and use to play my own Music . take care
Exept for a glasses you have quite a few things as I. I feel related interest wise
It must be a generational thing. I really think the new Submariner is heads above any of the vintage Rolex. The maxi case and ceramic bezel make it more unique and improved in my opinion. Design and aesthetics are so subjective in the eye of the beholder.
Of course from a technicality side of things, the modern piece is superior, no denying that at all! I should have worded it better saying that the 5512 is great because it set the foundations that all future submariners were based on. Deep down I do like the six digit pieces and find their proportions great for purpose. Thanks for the comment, man!
@@ID-Guy I totally agree, regardless of your differences in taste, I always enjoy hearing others perspective. Thumbs on on the commentary!
Great! thank you for the video. I hope they go back to the traditional lugs before my son finish college as it seems that it is what he wants to commemorate it.
What a superb gift, Carlos! Well hey, you could always take a modern piece to a jeweller to cut and shape. Hell, I'd do it! ;) I can't wait to see photos of your 5916!
Very good!
Classic
Nothing can beat a classic ;)
👏
Thank you, Jason! I really appreciate it
Because it is sleek and sporty, and it doesn't look like it was built by a WW2 Russian tank designer with huge ridiculous lugs.
The new subs with their bravado lugs and crown guards are significantly less appealing. The symmetry is gone.
Totally agree, man. Elegant and sleek, designed to be worn under the cuff along with being robust and durable. Thank you for the comment!
Our history? RSA 1950s history are you talking about?
Now I know why Rolex is King. Long live king Rolex.
Hahaha! There is no denying that, Maynard ;)
Nope! 6204 is the most beautiful Submariner ever made. The most beautiful watch ever made!