39.5mm Diameter
The Submariner saw the light of day in 1953, with reference 6204. However, the first few years of its life were characterized by an intense research and development process which saw the introduction of a total of nine Submariner references in 6 years: more than one per year. Then, in 1959 the “final embodiment” - with the exception of minor incremental modifications - of the Submariner was launched with reference 5512. Incorporating a Cosc-certified movement and featuring the first appearance on a Submariner of the crown guard, reference 5512 was extremely successful, remaining in production until 1978 and spawning a non-chronometric twin in 1962 (reference 5513).
A very early specimen of the model fitted with 'meter first dial' typical feature for early examples production, the present watch was made in the first quarter of 1961, stamped inside the caseback, and features a pointed crown guard. While the most commonly seen crown guard style is flat, earlier specimens feature a pointed crown guard. This trait is a direct response to customers’ complains about the excessive size of the crown guard - originally featuring a square design - and the same is true for the final flat incarnation which will be introduced around 1963/64. As they were made only in the first few years of production of the model, pointed crown guard examples are highly collectible variations of the reference.
Adding to the rarity of the pointed crown guard case, this example features a breathtaking tropical dial. Absolutely flawless in all its graphics, the black background acquired a very intense milk chocolate tone. The luminous material, preserved in superlative condition, has undergone a color shift and offers now a warm light camel hue, perfectly harmonizing with the chocolate dial.