Model Brooklyn Beckham spotted wearing a Rolex

Brooklyn Peltz Beckham was photographed in Paris during Fashion Week wearing a vintage Rolex Submariner ref. 5512 on a buff-coloured leather Bund strap, a watch gifted by his father David Beckham for his 18th birthday. The sighting underscores the younger Beckham's emerging reputation as a thoughtful watch collector with genuine technical knowledge—a departure from typical celebrity accessorising.

The Rolex Submariner ref. 5512 represents the second generation of the legendary dive watch line, produced from 1959 to 1966. Powered by Rolex's calibre 1520, a robust automatic movement with a date window omitted in favour of simplicity, the 5512 offered 300 metres of water resistance via a screw-down crown and unidirectional rotating bezel. Case diameter measured 40 mm in stainless steel. The dial shown here displays the rare 'meters first' designation—a brief variant where depth rating appeared before the 'Submariner' text—produced only in the earliest years. The gilt dial with applied Mercedes-style hands exemplifies early-1960s aesthetic, when lume-filled indices and handset retained their characteristic warmth.

The 5512 occupies a hallowed place in Submariner collecting, second only to the ref. 6538 in rarity and desirability. Its association with Steve McQueen, who wore the 5512 throughout the 1960s, cemented its status as cinema's most authentic dive watch. The 'meters first' dial variant commands particular interest among vintage enthusiasts, as production was brief and examples remain relatively scarce. Condition, dial patina, and provenance heavily influence valuation within the 5512 market segment.

Brooklyn Peltz Beckham's choice to wear the 5512 on a custom leather Bund strap—a modification he discussed openly in a late-2023 Esquire interview—reflects an appreciation for period-correct aesthetics. He sources additional straps from a trusted vintage specialist in Los Angeles, understanding that thicker, wider bands enhance comfort and visual presence. This curatorial approach signals serious collecting intent rather than casual name-dropping.

Vintage Rolex Submariner ref. 5512 examples in good to excellent condition trade between $120,000 and $180,000 on the grey market, depending on dial variant, service history, and originality. The 'meters first' dial commands a premium. Waitlists for investment-grade examples remain robust across specialist dealers.