The Rolex Submariner reference 5513 bearing a matte dial was introduced around 1967, replacing predecessor models fitted with “glossy” gilt dials. Early examples of matte dials featured “meters first” depth ratings, with later examples depicted in several sequential generations, such as serif/non-serif, pre-Comex, and the “Maxi” dial - like the present example.
The present lot is dated from circa 1978 bearing a 5.0 million case number and displays a matte black dial with two lines of text. It is fitted with an early 'Maxi 1' dial that are found in early 5 million to early 6 million case serial numbers. This is the last batch of production of matte dial produced by Rolex with “SUBMARINER” written below the depth rating. The present Rolex Submariner reference 5513 “Maxi dial” is preserved in likely unpolished condition, with highly desirable, buttery yellow luminous hour markers that match uniformly with the hands.
This Submariner “Maxi” dial from the “Ride the Wave” collection attests to the enduring quality of his vision – even in his “daily drivers”, he sought the tiny details that made certain watches stand apart from the rest.
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.