ROLEX | A VERY FINE AND EXCEPTIONALLY RARE STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC CENTER SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH 'UNDERLINED' EXPLORER GILT DIAL, POINTED CROWN GUARDS AND BRACELETREF 5513 CASE 1009589 SUBMARINER EXPLORER DIAL CIRCA 1963

• cal. 1530 automatic movement, 23 jewels • black gilt dial, applied luminous  Arabic, triangular and baton indexes, center seconds • stainless steel Oyster case, rotating bezel calibrated to 60 units, pointed crown guards, screw-down crown and case back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp 

The movement in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial is extremely attractive, there is light spotting and aging throughout. The lumes are original and very attractive, they are reacting well under UV light. The black insert is faded throughout with light surface wear. The bezel is very crisp with light surface wear. The case has only seen minor polishing. The bezel edges are still present. The case with light surface wear throughout. The case back with very minor pinhead dings with light surface wear but with very crisp milled edge. The inside of the case back with watchmaker engravings and is stamped 3.63. The number between the lugs are very crisp and easy to read. The bracelet is stamped 1.64 and with light surface wear throughout. The links are a little stretched. Overall a highly charismatic and original watch. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and a service might be required at the buyer's expense.
"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."

Accompanied by a Rolex certificate and presentation box. The present lot, reference 5513, widely considered the pinnacle reference in the Rolex Submariner lineage, features the rare and incredibly sought after 'Explorer' type dial.  Fitted only to watches manufactured in the first four or five years of production, it combines traditional baton indexes with the addition of the Arabic numerals at 3,6 and 9. 

Further to this, at 12 o'clock beneath the signature this particular example has been marked with an 'underline' to the dial. It has been theorised that this underline, another interesting and unusual feature, denotes the transition period between the use of radium luminescence and tritium luminescence. Indeed, measurements have been taken showing that these 'underline' dials emit lesser levels of radiation suggesting the presence of Tritium over Radium.

The dial has a depth created by the radial form degeneration surrounding the numerals which has resulted in a very pleasing, unique patination and texture. It may be the case that the radioactivity of the indexes has contributed to this effect. Complimenting this, the hands and indexes have developed a consistent colouration and the bezel too has aged, becoming blue/grey in colour; both eye catching evolutions contribute toward a great presence on the wrist.