1119
Rolex
Ref. 5513
Submariner “Meters First, Pointed Crown Guards”
An early and exceptionally well-preserved stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with military provenance, gilt dial, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
- Very rare and early ref. 5513 with gilt dial and pointed crown guards
- "SWISS"-only variation without underlines on the dial
- Extremely well-preserved dial and case
- Comes with original guarantee and box
This early and wonderful Submariner reference 5513 from 1963—dating to the inaugural years of 5513 production—exhibits all the subtle nuances passionate collectors seek in a highly desirable vintage Rolex. Produced continuously until 1989, the reference 5513 underwent several generational updates throughout its production lifecycle and remains distinct from its chronometer-certified sibling, the reference 5512.
Although the watch case itself dates to 1963, its original sale in early 1964 aligns perfectly with the first quarter 1964 date code stamped on the bracelet, considering it was sold at the U.S. Marine Corps Exchange in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Given that the Cuban Missile Crisis took place in October 1962 (and the 892,XXX serial number places production in the first few months of 1963), non-essential military retail activities at the base were significantly reduced amidst Cold War tensions, accounting for the slight delay between production and retail sale.
Early examples from this specific period are particularly unique, as these were the only years to feature a non-underline, transitional "SWISS" only designation printed in white at the bottom of a non-chapter ring dial.
The timepiece is further preserved in utterly fantastic condition, featuring beautiful, puffy golden luminous plots, a virtually flawless "SWISS"-only glossy dial with rich gilt lettering and an exceptionally sharp case with ultra-rare pointed crown guards (PCG).
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.