157 Rolex A rare and sought-after Rolex Submariner reference 5513 in stainless steel with glossy dial

Estimate: €15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Model: Submariner
Material: stainless steel
Reference N°: 5513
Year: 1966
Case N°: 1366204
Caliber: 1520
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 40
Signed: Dial, Case and movement

Rolex launched the references 5512 and 5513 in 1962 as the next generation of the legendary Submariner line. Unlike their earlier predecessors, the new references featured crown guards, which gave these tool watches a more robust look, as well as protected the crown during diving of any unnecessary mishaps. The 5513 has a bezel with minute divisions for the first fifteen minutes and silver triangle, the dial can alternatively be matte with white signature or, like the present lot, gilt glossy with gilt printing. The depth is rated to 200 m – 660 ft, and, as of 1964, the designation “Swiss T<25” was added to the bottom of the dial.
The present watch produced in 1966 as confirmed by the case numbers, impresses by its original and well-preserved condition of the stainless steel case. The bezel has aged harmoniously making the initial dark black light up towards a more delicate gray but the most fascinating part of this lot is for sure its dial. The ivory tone of the luminous numerals and hands harmonize perfectly with glossy black and its classic gold lettering, but it is impossible not to notice and fall in love with the dotted patina that is slowly taking possession of the entire dial. The bright coppery color at 5 o’clock gradually fades towards a very light yellow, creating an absolutely unique composition in its genre. To an expert eye will not be then escaped the further peculiarity of the so-called “meter first”, that is the inverted position of the unit of measurement for the depth, where, instead of the classic Ft the Meters are written ahead going to increase the desirability and the prestige of this watch.