Rolex
Tropical 1965 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 5513) Gilt Dial
The Rolex Submariner reference 5513 is the embodiment of the classic dive watch. The 5513 is simple yet sophisticated and rugged. The ref. 5513 was first introduced in 1962 and ceased production in late 1990. The ref. 5513 is a purpose-built dive watch that lacks the date function like other Rolex Submariner models.
The first few years of the reference 5513 saw rapid evolution in the model's design. This swift progression resulted in various iterations of the dial and case styles, all with minuscule production windows. From the case and crown guards seeing various reconstructions, to the glossy black dials featuring diverse transformations within text and printing patterns. This period between the late 50s to the late 60s has become one of the most celebrated and documented eras for the Rolex Submariner and is widely referred to as the Gilt-era for Rolex.
The Rolex reference 5513 is the quintessential dive watch. The classic no-date Submariner has an exuding utilitarian aura that all other sports watches, diving or otherwise, have been attempting to replicate or compete against since its inception. Now ubiquitous within the watch community, it's no secret every vintage watch collector has to own at least one ref. 5513 through their collecting journey, as there is nothing else quite like the iconic model.
| Stock # | RLXSM551366-2 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Submariner | |
| Model | 5513 | |
| Serial | 13XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Glossy Gilt "Tropical" | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Strap | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The impressive case retains extremely thick and symmetrical lugs that feature subtle chamfers. The has been recently professionally polished to exhibit factory-like dimensions and shows virtually no signs of previous wear. The original Mk II "Long 5" fat-font bezel insert has achieved a beautiful anthracite fade, while showing minimal signs of use with the tritium pearl intact, which matches the dial patina nicely. The case retains its original 7mm twin-lock crown. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The stunning and beautifully preserved original glossy gilt Submariner dial has aged to achieve an extraordinarily even and rich tropical brown coloration. The dial itself features some very minor spotting and superficial spidering that would be expected from a dial with such an impressive patina, however, the age present is in no way distracting to the visual value or aesthetic of the watch. The gilt printing throughout the text and minute track is in exceptional condition and is vibrant in color. The tritium lume plots have taken on a lovely creamy-yellow patina that coordinates with the tropical dial perfectly, under UV light inspection the lume remains in excellent condition overall with some very minor degradation present. The original tritium hands mostly match the dial perfectly, showing some areas of darker patina which is expected, under UV light inspection the hands display no degradation.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.
