1965 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 5513) Gilt Explorer Dial W/ Box & Papers

First introduced in 1962 and ceased in early 1990, the ref. 5513 itself stands as the definitive no-date Submariner—a pure expression of tool-watch functionality that has inspired countless designs since. Its clean aesthetic, robust construction, and enduring balance of form and purpose make it an essential milestone in any serious vintage Rolex collection.

The early production years of the Rolex Submariner reference 5513 represent one of the most dynamic and collectible chapters in the model’s storied evolution. Between the late 1950s and late 1960s—now fondly known as the Gilt Era—Rolex continuously refined the Submariner’s design, resulting in a succession of subtle yet significant variations. Case proportions, crown guards, and dial typography all underwent rapid transformations, with each iteration produced in exceptionally small quantities.

Among the rarest and most sought-after variants of the reference is the Explorer Dial configuration, featuring the distinctive 3-6-9 Arabic numeral layout more commonly associated with Rolex’s famed field watch. For decades, it was believed that Explorer Dial Submariners were sold exclusively through Commonwealth markets, primarily the UK and Canada. However, recently uncovered catalogs have revealed that a very limited number were also distributed in the U.S. and select other regions—likely as part of a short-lived test-market initiative between 1961 and 1965. The lineage of this configuration traces back even earlier, to the big-crown ref. 6200 “King Sub,” cementing its place among the most historically significant Submariner variants.

This particular example was originally retailed in the UK by Charles Packer & Co., a distinguished London jeweler known for its fine silver and long-standing partnership with Rolex. The original paperwork confirms the sale, and, much like Tiffany-signed Rolexes of the same era, this watch bears a matching retailer inventory number discreetly engraved on the underside of the upper-left lug—corresponding precisely to the retailer’s documentation. The UK-issued Rolex guarantee papers remain intact, hand-signed and stamped by Charles Packer & Co., with the period-correct internal reference numbering consistent with known practices of the time.

Offered here with its original box and papers, this circa 1965 Explorer dial Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 represents a true grail-level example of one of the most collectible gilt-era configurations—uniting provenance, originality, and historical significance in a single, extraordinary piece.