Launched in 1962, the reference 5513 had a long production spanning over 27 years which seized in 1989. During the beginning of its production, the reference was fitted with “glossy” black lacquered dials for a short period of time where it was replaced with the common matte black dial in circa 1967, simultaneously making examples fitted with “glossy” black dials rare and highly sought after. Furthermore, early examples of the reference featured a “meters first” dial with the depth rating written in reverse in comparison to later examples produced from 1970 onward.
The present example from circa 1964 is presented with a “glossy” black lacquered dial with “meters first” “Swiss” dial and features pointed crown guards witnessed in early examples. Bearing a 1 million serial, the features mentioned are appropriate for examples within the range. Presented in attractive overall condition, early examples of the ref. 5513 are among one of the most sought after vintage Submariner models due to its rare and attractive nature of its glossy black dial and its extinct and desirable pointed crown guards.
Founded 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.
