chiman12 Posted February 27, 2012 Report Share Posted February 27, 2012 Ever since I built LHOOQ's 5512 (here), I look back and ponder on a build for myself. The 5512 is attractive due to the iconic nature that is attached to this time piece. That being said, though every element worked so well together for LHOOQ's 5512, I couldn't for the life of me build the exact same watch! So I embarked on a journey to build a 5512 with some of the same elements as LHOOQ's 5512 and yet be very distinctive. After look through through "upteen" web images of 5512, I found this particular 5512... This is a very rare 59' 5512 with gilt OCC with Swiss dial and pointed crown guards. Forum thoughts are that it is the earliest 5512 produced and for not more than a year. The depth and OCC is in silver, while "Submariner" and "Swiss" is in gilt. So I started to rummage around in my parts box and luckily found what I need to build such a rare beast! I present my 5512 OCC! Close up of the text on the dial...Yes...it does have closed "6"s, but it has been suggested that dials with closed "6"s during the time period may have existed. In fact, there are a few pics of 5512's with the closed "6"s. The rehaut of the case was very wokky and a bit small, so I took it to task and reshaped the rehaut. A couple of close up shots of the crown guards lovingly sculpted to points Yes...that is a geniune 7mm twin lock! The bezel insert was beached to the point where it acheived a black-bluish hue, just like the insert on LHOOQ's 5512. Though hard to see, I vintaged the dial to resemble some of the dials on VRF.... For the movement, I didn't succumb myself to the vintage Sears goodness that LHOOQ had in his 5512 and used a geniune Tudor movement. It finished the off the piece quite well. So the breakdown... Case - origins unknown...you tell me. It is old school though Dial - InGod...6538 4 liner...yes 6538, baked in the oven for 25 seconds to burn the lume and then further vintaged. Movement - Tudor 2483 T19 crystal - Clark Hands - CousinsUk and vintaged by myself Bracelet - Yuki expandable 7206 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted February 27, 2012 Report Share Posted February 27, 2012 My only criticism is the glossy/shiny dial. I think these all had matte dials. But otherwise, very nice work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lhooq Posted February 27, 2012 Report Share Posted February 27, 2012 Simply stunning, C! By the way, your earlier effort continues to confound vintage Rolex collectors, When I let them in on the secret, they try to save face by saying, "Ah, I thought it felt a little light." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmb Posted February 27, 2012 Report Share Posted February 27, 2012 That's super, Chi, I love that dial! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiman12 Posted February 27, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2012 Thanks guys! freddy...I believe the 5512 introduced in 59' with a gilt/gloss dial, then transitioned to a white print/matte dial in the 60's... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flex Posted February 27, 2012 Report Share Posted February 27, 2012 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ephry73 Posted February 27, 2012 Report Share Posted February 27, 2012 I may just have to finish mine soon. Too many projects. Chi, thanks for The pictures. Looks just right. E Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted February 27, 2012 Report Share Posted February 27, 2012 Good looking watch, Chi, I like it! I like the way you used a 6538 dial in there. Did you consider using a gilt set of hands at all on this build? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted February 27, 2012 Report Share Posted February 27, 2012 Gahhhhh! There's the 2483 movement I've been looking for! Want to trade? Oh, and SWEET build! I love me some vintage gilt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest zeleni kukuruz Posted February 27, 2012 Report Share Posted February 27, 2012 Very nice chi i like it alot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiman12 Posted February 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Good looking watch, Chi, I like it! I like the way you used a 6538 dial in there. Did you consider using a gilt set of hands at all on this build? Your wish is my command M! Vintaged gilt hands...actually it does look a whole heck of a lot better! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asf Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Your wish is my command M! Vintaged gilt hands...actually it does look a whole heck of a lot better! really nice with the gilt hands! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Holy Moses that thing's nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlflash Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Well done, very nice man! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Darn Chi, now it's a work of art- those vintage gold hands are bee-u-tee-full! Congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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