What is the difference between the Rolex 5512 & 5513?
This seems to be a common question asked by both collector's and semi-enthusiast. When one compares a ref. 5512 & 5513 from the same period, at first glance they appear identical. *They are both "No-Date" Subs, a term that is very annoying to collector's by the way
(If you notice above I made a "*" I will elaborate on this comment in a bit.) Both the 5512 & 5513 are found exclusively in Stainless Steel and share both the same bezel and dial color configuration (black on black). They are even fitted on the same bracelets (The particular pictures below depict different bracelets, though the original issued bracelets would have been the same.)
The photo below is of a Rolex Submariner 5512. This particular 5512 was owned by a Celebrity (Aficionados are smiling right about now.)
This photo below is Rolex Submariner ref. 5513. As one can see the these pieces are identical, or are they?
Find the difference? Look closely at the dial and read all of the text twice. Give up? Well, look below the difference is the additional text on the dial of the 5512.
Whats does my COSC note mean? Simple, the 5512 was COSC tested. At the time all *"No Date" Submariners were not tested and awarded as superlative chronometers.
Virtually all Rolex watches post 1990 are COSC certifed.
But, What is a COSC timpiece exactly? What does it really mean ? (From Wiki Below)
Each officially certified COSC chronometer (Watch) is unique, and identified by a serial number engraved on its movement and a certification number given by the COSC.
Testing criteria is based on ISO 3159 which provides the definition of a wrist-chronometer with spring balance oscillator. Only movements which meet the precision criteria established under ISO 3159 are granted an official chronometer certificate.
Each movement is individually tested for fifteen days, in five positions, at three different temperatures. Based on these measurements, seven eliminatory criteria are calculated, the minima of which must all be met e.g. for movements of a diameter over 20 mm, indicated in seconds/day:
Average daily rate: -4/+6
Mean variation in rates: 2
Greatest variation in rates: 5
Difference between rates in H & V positions: -6/+8
Largest variation in rates: 10
Thermal variation: ± 0.6
Rate resumption: ± 5
COSC have developed their own standard for testing quartz chronometers with eight eliminatory criteria:
Average daily rate at 23 °C: ± 0.07
Rate at 8 °C: ± 0.2
Rate at 38 °C: ± 0.2
Rate stability: 0.05
Dynamic rate: ± 0.05
Temporary effect of mechanical shocks: ± 0.05
Residual effect of mechanical shocks: ± 0.05, 200 shocks equivalent to 100 G (981 m/s²)
Rate resumption: ± 0.05
Measurements are based on a time base established by two independent atomic clocks synchronized on GPS time.
Testing criteria is based on ISO 3159 which provides the definition of a wrist-chronometer with spring balance oscillator. Only movements which meet the precision criteria established under ISO 3159 are granted an official chronometer certificate.
Each movement is individually tested for fifteen days, in five positions, at three different temperatures. Based on these measurements, seven eliminatory criteria are calculated, the minima of which must all be met e.g. for movements of a diameter over 20 mm, indicated in seconds/day:
Average daily rate: -4/+6
Mean variation in rates: 2
Greatest variation in rates: 5
Difference between rates in H & V positions: -6/+8
Largest variation in rates: 10
Thermal variation: ± 0.6
Rate resumption: ± 5
COSC have developed their own standard for testing quartz chronometers with eight eliminatory criteria:
Average daily rate at 23 °C: ± 0.07
Rate at 8 °C: ± 0.2
Rate at 38 °C: ± 0.2
Rate stability: 0.05
Dynamic rate: ± 0.05
Temporary effect of mechanical shocks: ± 0.05
Residual effect of mechanical shocks: ± 0.05, 200 shocks equivalent to 100 G (981 m/s²)
Rate resumption: ± 0.05
Measurements are based on a time base established by two independent atomic clocks synchronized on GPS time.
So, let's review the fundamental difference of Rolex ref. 5512 vs. 5513. Below is a quote from a TRF member. It is concise and well... perfect.
"The main difference is the fact that the 5512 has the chronometer rated movement and the 5513 does not. 5512's produced with 2 lines of print on the dial do not have the chronometer rating on the dial. As the 5513 started production, they needed to have a way to tell the difference between the two references. So the 5512 started to have 4 lines of print, the last two reading "superlative chronometer officially certified". The 5513 just had 2 lines of print. Both were made with gilt gloss dials and pointed crown guards early on."
Now, that you know the difference. Here's a bit more information. Remember the "*" seen above.
Maybe not?
*They are both "No-Date" Subs, a term that is very annoying to collector's by the way--
The reason, I placed a star here was to share with you something I learned the hard way. Most established collector's hate the term "No Date Sub, Submariner". The reason is because the Submariner did not have a date aperture until around 1965 with the introduction of the ref. 1680. In short the model we all know and love was a NON-DATE model. So a Submariner should be reffered to simply as:
A Submariner.
Or
A Submariner date.
Here's another little esoteric bit of info: If you are speaking with an Italian or English collector (others as well) They may pronounce the word "Submariner"
as: SubMarine---errr
Cheers!
The head Swiss Monster.
-JKS
No comments:
Post a Comment