ROLEX | SUBMARINER EXPLORER DIAL, REFERENCE 5513 STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET CIRCA 1964

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 1530 automatic, 26 jewels Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and back Case number: 1'170'515 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 185mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: one additional bracelet

DIAL: in overall good condition with even patination of the luminescent material on the indexes. Luminescent material intact and reacts under UV light. Hands with slightly lighter patination, with some scuffs and light oxydation. CASE: with marks and scuffs throughout. Case has been polished but proportions remain strong. Bezel insert faded and appears grey and luminescent pearl at 12 o'clock missing. Inner case back stamped 5513. Bracelet: 78360 (T3) endlinks 580 Additional Bracelet incomplete and stamped 2 / 67 MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing. 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."

The reference 5513 is the most well-known Rolex Submariner. Available between 1962 and 1989, it was produced for the longest period out of of all Rolex diving watches which gives it a prominent status. The reason is that the 5513 was considered as a true tool watch and was therefore heavily used and enjoyed as such.
In the complex world of Vintage Rolex, small differences, usually only noticeable under close inspection, make an enormous difference to the collectibility of a watch. On some early references including the 5513, there is a particular and important exception with an instantly recognizable feature: the explorer dial. Only a small fraction of the Rolex Submariners from the early production, such as the references 6538, 6200, 5510, 5512 and the 5513, were fitted with this special ‘3-6-9' dial. 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.

In fact, there are several types of explorer dials further divided into two main categories based on the luminescent material used: radium or tritium. 

This present lot is part of the ultimate evolution with a tritium dial.

The association of the gilt minute indexes and signature combined with the silver depth rating indication and the cream patina of the hour indexes and matching hands is a real delight to find. This combination gives the piece a unique character which is further enhanced by its exceptional condition. This dial is beautifully vibrant, and the watch is also fitted with a naturally faded bezel and with a case still retaining strong proportions, demonstrating the exceptional charm these vintage Submariners can offer.

Until a couple of weeks ago, the piece was still used everyday by its first and original owner who has now decided to offer it on the international market after 55 years of faithful service.