1963 Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 “Gilt Underline Dial, Raw and As Found”

Up for grabs is a Rolex Submariner in steel

Reference 5513

997,XXX serial number circa 1963 production

Pointed crown guard case with a very rare and only seen for less than a  year “underline” dial. These dials were only produced in 1963 and still retain the “swiss” only on bottom with silver underline on dial indicating the transitional period when Rolex stops using radium lume mixture and moves on to tritium compound.

The watch is presented exactly as it was found. Nothing was cleaned, repaired, polished, relumed, or replaced. If the future owner would like to arrange for it to be sent to LA Watchworks or another vintage shop of your choice, we can discuss it and I will accommodate any requests. That being said, I wanted to present the watch exactly as found so that there are no doubts as to its originality and also to show that these watches can still be found in the “wild” and not only being exchanged collector/dealer hands.

The case is amazing. You can clearly see it has not been polished since new with thick chamfers still very defined. The pointed guards, which are often polished down, are very sharp and thick. Original twin lock crown. The serial and model numbers are fully legible without any bracelet wear.

The dial is original, gilt and gloss underline with Swiss only and open chapter ring. There is a picture of the dial included without the crystal on. As you can see the lume has aged to a very attractive and vibrant yellow patina and is mostly intact except for some loss at 6 oclock. The gilt print and the Underline are all very crisp and vibrant. These dials usually develop “spotting” and “dimples” on them and completely matte out. This one shows some of those signs, but overall remains in excellent condition. The hands are also original, gilt with dark aged lume. There are no scratches, chips, etc.

The crystal is believed to be original one or at least has been there for many decades. It shows crazing and scratches.

The bezel has faded out to an attractive “ghost gray” with bezel pearl still intact.

The caseback is original. Has a few scratches on outside from a previous poor attempt at opening it, but remains in overall good condition. Inside is stamped 5513 and dated 1963.

The bracelet is original Rolex 7206 Rivet with correct “80” end-links and correct 1964 date stamp on clasp. No major dents and only moderate stretch from use.

No box or papers. No service history. There is only 1 service mark inside the caseback. Again, the new owner has the option of me sending this piece for a service and whatever esthetic work.