dbane883

Thought I'd put on something subtle today

Dipping my toes into the world of Omeeega.

Dial is aftermarket or a redial.

Gen on top:


The hands are most likely lumi service.

Insert is aftermarket.

Tough to comment further on the mid case and bezel.

Yes. Eric is a good guy and if he doesn't know you, he will insist on wire only. I've dealt with him several times.

"Swiss made" dial is not right.  looks like an aftermarket T39 crystal and incorrect seadweller retaining ring and bezel.

It's not bad.  Gen crown/tube alone are worth $700-1000.   the lug holes stress marks are probably a result of too slow drill speed or too dull of a bit or a combination of the both, but can easily be buffed away.  They dont look too big to me.  congrats

Can't seem to post any pics. Is it just me?

Hi guys.

For many reasons, this project is a special one.

The 5512 Submariner  “tulip crown” gilt dials were made in very small quantities and is most commonly seen with 1961 serial codes.  The dial has an elegant beauty in it’s simplicity and the unique coronet really sets it apart from other early 5512 submariners.  I felt this would be an ideal complement to the other builds in my relatively small collection.

I started out with a Phong PCG 5512 mid case which I re-profiled to have more pronounced bevels, re-brushed the satin lug tops, straightened the case side flanks and slightly reworked the crown guards.  Phong has a tendency to over polish his cases even if you request no aging. 

The “look” I was going for here was a case that still had a reasonably thick case, crisp bevels but appear like it was only gently worn periodically over the past 5 decades.  There are several examples of cases and dials of this era that appear almost NOS, but perhaps uncharacteristic of me, I felt a slightly more aggressive aging would be appropriate for this one.  However, I still wanted the case to appear “unpolished”.

Crown and tube is NOS genuine 7000 and 700-0 twin locks (the tube was unusually difficult to find).   Bezel, retaining ring, and ghost "kissing 40" fat font insert are also genuine.  I still need to find a tension spring. 

The hands are period-correct “flat” submariner hands that are surprisingly tough to find (the cost of which reflects their scarcity!).  

The chapter ring dial, well, is from he-who-cannot-be-mentioned and in my unbiased opinion, one of the best dials he’s ever made.   There is a subtle tropicalness to the dial that I've tried to capture.  I slightly aged the lume patina but I will probably enhance it a touch as I will need to open the case up again to remove some pesky dust specs (so annoying).  

Movement is a genuine cal 1530 that was sitting pretty lonely in the parts bin.

Caseback is a genuine/original 5512 that was most likely from a mid-70’s era sub given there is no date stamp.  Dome is a CWP T19.

The intent of this watch is to be a daily “beater” as I am trying to wear my big crown, 5513 PCG, and my 5513 mf less frequently.

This build is a bittersweet one for me.  Because of other commitments this will probably be my last personal rep build. RWG has inspired me in many ways to really push the boundaries of what is possible.  It’s a cantina full of misfits from around the globe but one thing that sets its apart is the mutual respect we have for each other - simply because we share the same passion.  I have learned so much over the years and am grateful to so many.  We are all fortunate to be apart of this community.

Here are some pics of the final build. Pics taken with genuine 7206 rivet bracelet as well as B&S vintage strap.

Comparison shots: Gen 1962 PCG 5513 case on bottom, Phong PCG 5512 on top:

Well done. Congrats!

Yeah. I could be mistaken. Won't be the first. Won't be the last.

Note dial gap. II.61 5512:

http://www.hqmilton.com/watches/1961-rolex-submariner-5512-pcg-gilt-chapter-ring-dial

Hmmm. I think phong is mistaken. The early ('60-61) PCG 5512's had some dial gaps because (as the theory goes), they were made to accommodate the leftover 5510 dials which were 27mm. Then the 26mm 5512 dials were installed in some of these resulting in dial gaps.

I don't believe any early 5513's were made with wider rehaut apertures.

Bergeon makes dial feet as well. They will require a dab of epoxy however