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Lot Essay
The present watch is an early example of a Submariner reference 5513 introduced in 1962, featuring a calibre 1530 movement and a black gloss dial. The serial number of this watch is relatively early and is, at 1'076'895, just hovering above the one million mark. This ties in well with the inside of the case back, which is stamped III.64, thus indicating that production of the case took place in the third quarter of 1964. The bracelet, which is stamped 2.63 on the clasp, fits equally well into this time period.
The overall excellent condition of the watch, combined with its beautifully aged dial, makes this watch a collector's dream. In fact, the luminous baton, dot and dagger numerals have taken on a warm sandy-coloured tone and blend nicely with the black gloss dial. In a very charming way, the original dial itself has taken some slight spotting over the decades.
Reference 5513 was launched in 1962 and depth rated to 200 meters (660 feet), fitted with the 8 mm. crown and pointed crown guards. The non-chronometer version used the same dial as the early reference 5512. The bezel displays minute divisions for the first fifteen minutes and has a silver triangle. The dials are black lacquer and have gilt printing. As of 1964, the designation "Swiss T<25" was added to the bottom of the dial. In the late 1960s the dials changed to feature all-white printing.
For further examples of reference 5513 see Rolex Submariner Story by Franca & Guido Mondani and Lele Ravagnani, pp. 58-81, as well as 100 Years of Rolex also by Franca & Guido Mondani, pp.108-109.
The overall excellent condition of the watch, combined with its beautifully aged dial, makes this watch a collector's dream. In fact, the luminous baton, dot and dagger numerals have taken on a warm sandy-coloured tone and blend nicely with the black gloss dial. In a very charming way, the original dial itself has taken some slight spotting over the decades.
Reference 5513 was launched in 1962 and depth rated to 200 meters (660 feet), fitted with the 8 mm. crown and pointed crown guards. The non-chronometer version used the same dial as the early reference 5512. The bezel displays minute divisions for the first fifteen minutes and has a silver triangle. The dials are black lacquer and have gilt printing. As of 1964, the designation "Swiss T<25" was added to the bottom of the dial. In the late 1960s the dials changed to feature all-white printing.
For further examples of reference 5513 see Rolex Submariner Story by Franca & Guido Mondani and Lele Ravagnani, pp. 58-81, as well as 100 Years of Rolex also by Franca & Guido Mondani, pp.108-109.