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Lot Essay
The present watch is a superb example of a Submariner reference 5513 from the 1960s, fitted with an exceedingly rare variant of the "underline dial": the attentive observer will notice the small silvered line underneath the designation "Submariner" and not below the "Oyster Perpetual" as commonly found in this rare dial version.
Its unrestored black gloss dial with the attractive gilt printing, also a characteristic of the early reference 5513 models, must be regarded as the ultimate art in dial manufacturing since they reveal a rich complexity of different layers applied to the metal base. In fact, the gilt writing and minute markings are not printed on the black background but are underneath and shine through in negative relief. However to further enhance its sophistication, the silvered underline is superimposed and printed onto the black background.
Moreover, the watch features pointed crown guards, affectively called "cornino" or small horn by Italian Rolex aficionados, another typical feature of Submariner watches produced between 1962 and 1964. All later versions were fitted with the now standard rounded crown guard shoulders.
The very good overall condition of the present ref. 5513 is demonstrated by the case and its full body and sharp angles to the facets of the lugs, showing that it has never been subject to careless polishing. Its homogenically bleached bezel, also the correct version featuring the silvered triangle, now displays a rich grey tone, enhancing the appealing look of this rare timepiece. The riveted Oyster bracelet reference is contemporary to the watch and likewise preserved in very good overall condition.
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.
Its unrestored black gloss dial with the attractive gilt printing, also a characteristic of the early reference 5513 models, must be regarded as the ultimate art in dial manufacturing since they reveal a rich complexity of different layers applied to the metal base. In fact, the gilt writing and minute markings are not printed on the black background but are underneath and shine through in negative relief. However to further enhance its sophistication, the silvered underline is superimposed and printed onto the black background.
Moreover, the watch features pointed crown guards, affectively called "cornino" or small horn by Italian Rolex aficionados, another typical feature of Submariner watches produced between 1962 and 1964. All later versions were fitted with the now standard rounded crown guard shoulders.
The very good overall condition of the present ref. 5513 is demonstrated by the case and its full body and sharp angles to the facets of the lugs, showing that it has never been subject to careless polishing. Its homogenically bleached bezel, also the correct version featuring the silvered triangle, now displays a rich grey tone, enhancing the appealing look of this rare timepiece. The riveted Oyster bracelet reference is contemporary to the watch and likewise preserved in very good overall condition.
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.