Lot 118
  • 118

ROLEX | SUBMARINER, REFERENCE 5513STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETCIRCA 1966

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • SUBMARINER, REFERENCE 5513STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETCIRCA 1966
Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 1520 automatic, 26 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw-down crown and backCase number: 1'391'986Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding claspDimensions: 40mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: none

Condition

DIAL: in good condition with minor blemishes. Luminescent indexes with cracks and even patina. Hands showing signs of oxidation. CASE: in good condition, scuffs and dents consistent with age and wear. Case has been polished. Bezel showing scuffs, a more important one at 30. Bracelet numbered 7836, endlinks numbered 358. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Whether it is accuracy, precise engineering or robustness, there are many established reasons explaining why Rolex is the most collected brand in the world. Nonetheless, the most compelling arguments are without any doubt intangible and instead relate to the emotions that only a Rolex piece can arouse.

With vintage examples, the richness of the patina immediately transports us to the  period when the watch was originally made, in a more deeply nostalgic and powerful way than any documentary or textbook could.

This is particularly true for vintage diving watches such as this early Submariner 5513. The gilt dial is in superb condition with a most attractive original patina with the dot indexes slightly darker than the baton and triangular indexes. The hands are also perfectly matching and complemented by the gilt literature on the dial. The lacquered dial gracefully catches the light while the plexiglass, depending on the angle, seems to distort the indexes, in a similar way as if the watch is underwater. The beauty of the dial captivates not only the person admiring it, but is reminiscent of what diving might have been the 1960's. 

The dial is nicely 'framed' with a lightly patinated bezel with a cream pearl and a case in good condition. The folded bracelet adds vintage charisma to the piece that was just recently re-discovered by the family of the original owner.