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Lot Essay
Introduced in 1962, the Rolex Submariner reference 5513 was continuously manufactured until 1989, making it one of the longest produced references from the storied brand. In many aspects, reference 5513 may be the most collectable, recognizable, and sought-after watches from both realms of contemporary and vintage timepieces.
The present lot is a highly coveted Submariner as it is one of the last 5513s with a gilt dial. This is distinguishable by the "Bart Simpson" appearance of the crown emblem. The dial has developed an incredible "tropical" patina and the luminous plots, hands, and bezel pearl have turned to an attractive cream color.
PROVENANCE
The present lot was gifted to the owner from his mother in early 1967, as indicated on the original receipt from B. Harris and Sons Jewelers in New York. The gift was a valuable tool and was received just prior to entering military training to become a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. The original owner served as a Signal Platoon Leader at a Division Artillery Headquarters in South Vietnam from 1969-1970 and regularly wore his Rolex as an important piece of his uniform.
Following service, and through the 1970s and early 1980s, the watch was continuously regularly worn, including while SCUBA diving and bluewater sailing. During this period, the watch began to develop an incredible “tropical” patina with orange and brown hues, and silvery specks. This was due to the strong UV rays of the sun interacting with the dial during these adventurous activities. In the following decades, the present watch was stored and periodically inspected, as the owner gravitated towards other watches. Finally unveiled to the public, the present lot is an incredible time capsule of a watch, coveting a spectacular and well-preserved “tropical” gilt dial.
The present lot is a highly coveted Submariner as it is one of the last 5513s with a gilt dial. This is distinguishable by the "Bart Simpson" appearance of the crown emblem. The dial has developed an incredible "tropical" patina and the luminous plots, hands, and bezel pearl have turned to an attractive cream color.
PROVENANCE
The present lot was gifted to the owner from his mother in early 1967, as indicated on the original receipt from B. Harris and Sons Jewelers in New York. The gift was a valuable tool and was received just prior to entering military training to become a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. The original owner served as a Signal Platoon Leader at a Division Artillery Headquarters in South Vietnam from 1969-1970 and regularly wore his Rolex as an important piece of his uniform.
Following service, and through the 1970s and early 1980s, the watch was continuously regularly worn, including while SCUBA diving and bluewater sailing. During this period, the watch began to develop an incredible “tropical” patina with orange and brown hues, and silvery specks. This was due to the strong UV rays of the sun interacting with the dial during these adventurous activities. In the following decades, the present watch was stored and periodically inspected, as the owner gravitated towards other watches. Finally unveiled to the public, the present lot is an incredible time capsule of a watch, coveting a spectacular and well-preserved “tropical” gilt dial.