My story begins in late 1989, I walked into a vintage watch dealer store on Melrose Ave and saw a Rolex 5513 Submariner with a perfect gilt dial and rich patina. I asked the owner if I could look at the watch which he said I could, but, it was already sold. At that point I decided I wanted one. Prices weren’t crazy back then but finding a great example wasn’t easy. I bid on a few in auction, Sotheby’s and Butterfield’s, but I was always the underbidder. I expanded my search to include the 5512 which was essentially the same watch except with a COSC rated movement. Years passed as I continued the search looking for the right one. In 1993, I was participating in a chat group for vintage Rolex collectors, the site no longer exists, and I mentioned my search for a 5512 or 5513.The next morning I received an email from an American who was living in China who wanted to sell his 5512. He sent me some images and I knew my search had ended. Almost 4 years later I purchased the 5512... and still have today.
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