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Lot Essay
The Rolex Submariner is quite possibly the most well known and recognizable of all collectable watches, both vintage and contemporary. Originally launched in the mid 1950’s, the watch featured a robust waterproof “oyster” case, a rotating bezel with luminous “pearl” for tracking elapsed time on a dive, as well as a black dial with luminous hour markers and hands. So critical are these details to the success of the Submariner as a tool watch that despite a marked evolution since its launch, the brand has maintained the DNA of the original design, ensuring its iconic status today.
In 1962, Rolex Submariner reference 5513 was launched and remained in production until 1989. The earliest 5513, from 1962 & 1963, were made with black glossy dials, gold and silver gilt printing, a gilt chapter ring, and were housed in pointed crown guard cases. The combination of the short production and the incredible beauty associated with the combination of elements that make up the dial and case make these early 5513’s among the most desirable and collectable Submariners from the crown guard era.
The present lot, reference 5513, bears serial 765026 and dates from 1962, making it among the very first 5513 manufactured by the brand. In addition to being among the very first 5513 made by the brand and possessing an exceptional combination of dial design elements, the case is sharp and incredibly well preserved and the dial, which has turned to a golden caramel brown, will leave one absolutely speechless. And as if the beauty and rarity of the most evenly aged and beautiful tropical silver and gold gilt chapter ring dial weren’t enough, it has been consigned by the son of the original owner in untouched and as found condition.
Undeniably one of most beautiful examples of a gilt Rolex Submariner reference 5513 ever to come to market, the watch will captivate all who have the opportunity to hold the watch in their hand and will both thrill and dazzle the new owner to no end.
A Letter from Randall Bouverat
"Dear Mr. Victor,
As we discussed, my family is reaching the end of an era with our heirloom
timepiece, the Rolex 5513 (serial # 765026). This will usher in the beginning of
a new era for a new owner.
Alan Bouverat, my Father, was the original owner of the timepiece. He acquired
it in 1963 while in England at the beginning of his professional career in
motorsports. At that time he was working on the Cooper and Jaguar
development teams.
My Father treasured this timepiece. In his teenage years in the 1950s he
developed a love for speed, racing his Harley motorcycle and his 1955 Chevy
Belair. He learned early that speed and time go hand-in-hand. After he returned
to the States with the Rolex he was invited to drive in the 1964 Daytona 2000 km
race, the longest endurance race in the U.S. at the time and, ironically, the
precursor to what is now called the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He and his driving
partner, Milo Vega, won 1st place in their class driving a Lotus Elite.
Until the early 1970s my Father was still auto racing. His final days behind the
wheel were in his trusty McLaren competing in the Formula 5000 series. Yet he
would continue his passion for motorsports as an Owner/Manager leading teams
and drivers, culminating with a world championship in USAC Mini-Indy.
Throughout it all he and the watch were inseparable.
Upon graduating from University he bequeathed the watch to me, as he had just
retired from racing in 1989. The Rolex has been in my care these past 33 years.
My Father always asks how it is doing. I joke “I have managed to keep it outside of
race cars, engine bays and cockpits!”
Now, with two daughters of my own graduating from university, and at the
prospect of being unable to give it to only one of them, I have decided to begin a
new tradition. The proceeds from the sale of the Rolex will start a new era with
two timepieces…to keep both time and peace.
I know this Rolex will bring its new owner a sense of the racing history it
experienced at the hands of one man’s journey and then another’s preservation.
It is still the best looking timepiece I have ever seen. May it continue to bring luck
to its rightful new owner.
Sincerely,
Randal H. Bouverat"
In 1962, Rolex Submariner reference 5513 was launched and remained in production until 1989. The earliest 5513, from 1962 & 1963, were made with black glossy dials, gold and silver gilt printing, a gilt chapter ring, and were housed in pointed crown guard cases. The combination of the short production and the incredible beauty associated with the combination of elements that make up the dial and case make these early 5513’s among the most desirable and collectable Submariners from the crown guard era.
The present lot, reference 5513, bears serial 765026 and dates from 1962, making it among the very first 5513 manufactured by the brand. In addition to being among the very first 5513 made by the brand and possessing an exceptional combination of dial design elements, the case is sharp and incredibly well preserved and the dial, which has turned to a golden caramel brown, will leave one absolutely speechless. And as if the beauty and rarity of the most evenly aged and beautiful tropical silver and gold gilt chapter ring dial weren’t enough, it has been consigned by the son of the original owner in untouched and as found condition.
Undeniably one of most beautiful examples of a gilt Rolex Submariner reference 5513 ever to come to market, the watch will captivate all who have the opportunity to hold the watch in their hand and will both thrill and dazzle the new owner to no end.
A Letter from Randall Bouverat
"Dear Mr. Victor,
As we discussed, my family is reaching the end of an era with our heirloom
timepiece, the Rolex 5513 (serial # 765026). This will usher in the beginning of
a new era for a new owner.
Alan Bouverat, my Father, was the original owner of the timepiece. He acquired
it in 1963 while in England at the beginning of his professional career in
motorsports. At that time he was working on the Cooper and Jaguar
development teams.
My Father treasured this timepiece. In his teenage years in the 1950s he
developed a love for speed, racing his Harley motorcycle and his 1955 Chevy
Belair. He learned early that speed and time go hand-in-hand. After he returned
to the States with the Rolex he was invited to drive in the 1964 Daytona 2000 km
race, the longest endurance race in the U.S. at the time and, ironically, the
precursor to what is now called the Rolex 24 at Daytona. He and his driving
partner, Milo Vega, won 1st place in their class driving a Lotus Elite.
Until the early 1970s my Father was still auto racing. His final days behind the
wheel were in his trusty McLaren competing in the Formula 5000 series. Yet he
would continue his passion for motorsports as an Owner/Manager leading teams
and drivers, culminating with a world championship in USAC Mini-Indy.
Throughout it all he and the watch were inseparable.
Upon graduating from University he bequeathed the watch to me, as he had just
retired from racing in 1989. The Rolex has been in my care these past 33 years.
My Father always asks how it is doing. I joke “I have managed to keep it outside of
race cars, engine bays and cockpits!”
Now, with two daughters of my own graduating from university, and at the
prospect of being unable to give it to only one of them, I have decided to begin a
new tradition. The proceeds from the sale of the Rolex will start a new era with
two timepieces…to keep both time and peace.
I know this Rolex will bring its new owner a sense of the racing history it
experienced at the hands of one man’s journey and then another’s preservation.
It is still the best looking timepiece I have ever seen. May it continue to bring luck
to its rightful new owner.
Sincerely,
Randal H. Bouverat"