Lot 82
  • 82

ROLEX | SUBMARINER EXPLORER DIAL WITH EXCLAMATION POINT AND POINTED CROWN GUARDS, REFERENCE 5513STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET CIRCA 1962

Estimate
60,000 - 90,000 GBP
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Description

  • SUBMARINER EXPLORER DIAL WITH EXCLAMATION POINT AND POINTED CROWN GUARDS, REFERENCE 5513STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET CIRCA 1962
Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 1530 automatic, 26 jewels Movement number: 77'455 Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and back Case number: 765'454 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 195mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Guarantee dated 31 July 1964, invoice, insurance and service invoices

Condition

DIAL: shows natural aging with patination to the indexes in original condition and the glossy finish with spotting and turned over time to matte in some areas as expected for a piece of that age. The indexes at 3 and 6 with minor loss. The patinated hands have been replaced during service a long time ago and show signs of oxidisation due to age CASE: shows signs of polishing, with scuffs and marks throughout commensurate with regular wear and age, one dent to the lower and upper left lugs. Pointed crown guards still well-defined. Bezel has been replaced during a previous service. Inner case-back stamped 5512. Bracelet: ref. 93150 (OP7) / 93150, 580 end-links MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing A similar piece without documentation, only four digits apart from this lot, was sold at auction last year for over £ 160,000. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Catalogue Note

The Rolex Submariner is a landmark in wristwatch history which has fascinated the watch collecting community since its creation.  Early Submariner models have long been elevated to a treasure status by enthusiasts. Nonetheless, some treasures are more coveted than others. Due to its rarity and its instantly recognisable look, the 'Submariner Explorer dial' is certainly one of the most sought-after gems.  

Only a few Rolex Submariner references from the early production were fitted with this special ‘3-6-9' dial, such as the references 6538, 6200, 5510, 5512 and the 5513. The ‘Explorer dial’ or ‘3-6-9 dial’ is named after its similar layout to the Explorer design as opposed to the standard Submariner dial with the usual round, baton and triangle indexes.

The present 5513, dating from 1962, when this model was introduced, is a most attractive example as it combines an Submariner Explorer dial with other highly collectable particularities.

Firstly, the depth rating is different to the standard meters first. Indeed, the 'm' for meters is missing and the FT is written using a different, non italic, font. Furthermore, it is an exclamation point dial. Indeed, there is a luminescent dot underneath the index at 6 o'clock, indicating the lower radioactivity of the dial. The case is also characteristic of that period as it is equipped with clearly defined pointed crown guards (or PCG). 

The watch alone could be considered a dream for a collector.

However, in addition, the present piece is accompanied by its original guarantee stamped by Watches of Switzerland as well as an extensive number of receipts from the day of purchase. These include a watch insurance document and all the receipts from services carried out on this extraordinary timepiece making this an especially complete and desirable piece. In addition to this, the watch has been kept in the family of the original owner and was until today, unknown to the market.

This extraordinary and fresh to the market piece, with such an exceptional dial and case and fully documented history represents a truly unique opportunity to acquire a wonderful treasure.