ROLEX, REF. 5513, SUBMARINER, A HIGHLY DESIRABLE STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH "TROPICAL” DIAL
ROLEX, REF. 5513, SUBMARINER, A HIGHLY DESIRABLE STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH "TROPICAL” DIAL
ROLEX, REF. 5513, SUBMARINER, A HIGHLY DESIRABLE STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH "TROPICAL” DIAL
ROLEX, REF. 5513, SUBMARINER, A HIGHLY DESIRABLE STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH "TROPICAL” DIAL
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PROVENANCE: ORIGINAL OWNER
ROLEX, REF. 5513, SUBMARINER, A HIGHLY DESIRABLE STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH "TROPICAL” DIAL

Details
ROLEX, REF. 5513, SUBMARINER, A HIGHLY DESIRABLE STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH "TROPICAL” DIAL
CIRCA: 1966
CASE MATERIAL: Steel
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
SERIAL NO’: 1455668
BRACELET MATERIAL: Steel
BRACELET SIZE: 8.75 inches / 220mm
DIAL: Black, "Tropical”
MOVEMENT: Automatic
BOX: No
PAPERS: No
ACCESSORIES: Copy of Original Receipt from B. Harris and Sons Jewelers Dated 18 August 1967, Copy of Rolex Authenticity Confirmation Dated 29 April 2021, Rolex Service Pouch

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Rebecca Ross
Rebecca Ross VP, Head of Sale, Watches

Lot Essay

Introduced in 1962, the Rolex Submariner reference 5513 was continuously manufactured until 1989, making it one of the longest produced references from the storied brand. In many aspects, reference 5513 may be the most collectable, recognizable, and sought-after watches from both realms of contemporary and vintage timepieces.

Fresh to market and from the original owner, the present lot was gifted to the owner from his mother in early 1967, as indicated on the original receipt from B. Harris and Sons Jewelers in New York. The gift was a valuable tool and was received just prior to entering military training to become a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. The original owner served as a Signal Platoon Leader at a Division Artillery Headquarters in South Vietnam from 1969-1970 and regularly wore his Rolex as an important piece of his uniform.

Following service, and through the 1970s and early 1980s, the watch was continuously regularly worn, including while SCUBA diving and bluewater sailing. During this period, the watch began to develop an incredible “tropical” patina with orange and brown hues, and silvery specks. This was due to the strong UV rays of the sun interacting with the dial during these adventurous activities. In the following decades, the present watch was stored and periodically inspected, as the owner gravitated towards other watches. Finally unveiled to the public, the present lot is an incredible time capsule of a watch, coveting a spectacular and well-preserved “tropical” dial.

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