Rolex

The Submariner family is perhaps the most iconic Rolex lineage watches. Early Submariner models have long been elevated to treasure status by enthusiasts. Nonetheless, some treasures are more coveted than others. Due to its rarity and its instantly recognizable look, the 'Submariner Explorer dial' is certainly one of the most sought-after gems.  

Only a few Rolex Submariner references from the early production were fitted with the ‘3-6-9' dial - references 6538, 6200, 5510, 5512, and 5513. The ‘Explorer dial’ or ‘3-6-9 dial’ is named after its similar layout to the Explorer design as opposed to the standard Submariner dial with the usual round, baton, and triangle indexes. Interestingly, these dials on 5513 and 5512 have mostly been discovered on watches originally retailed in the United Kingdom. 

The attractiveness of the present lot and its dial produced in 1965 also lies on the underline below the ‘Oyster Perpetual’ text, which was indicative in the first half of the 1960s of the transition from radium to tritium used on the dials’ luminous markers. Moreover, the dial also shows a double stamp below 6 o’clock for ‘T<25’ and features striking gilt markers and brass handset. 

The case proportion of the present watch remain strong and the watch is fitted with a riveted bracelet stamped 2.65 and is accompanied by original accessories including its Guarantee (which has the retail reference number in the accompanying retail catalogue instead of the serial number of the watch) and four photos of the original owner wearing the watch.