1966 Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 Gilt 'Bart Simpson' dial

The Rolex Submariner 5513 was introduced in 1962 with no COSC printing on the dial (different from the 5512) and was the perfect tool watch for professional divers. First with caliber 1530 and then, during the same year, with the caliber 1520 and updated crown-guard design.

 

The first batches of the 5513 came with gilt dials until the end of the 1960s where Rolex changed them to matte dials. These early examples are the most sought after for savvy collectors, especially those in perfect condition and unique patinas.

 

Produced only for a very short period in 1966, and being the last to feature gilt dials, the “Bart Simpson” nickname was given to this particular batch after the distinctive shape of the Rolex ‘coronet’ which can be found on them.

The watch offered for sale here is a Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 with gilt ‘Bart Simpson’ dial in extraordinary condition which dates to 1966.

 

The glossy black gilt dial is remarkably well-preserved. It shows barely noticeable insignificant signs of wear. The way the lacquer was applied on the dial during production, these normally tend to craze, crack, bubble and many times a matte spotting appears diminishing the glossy surface. Finding a fully gloss example like this makes the odds even more against. If you have been after a gilt dial in good condition, you already know how hard is becoming to find them in this condition, as such examples are kept in collections and rarely surface the market. The lume plots remain complete, which is another very rare feature as it is more common for this puffy kind of lume plots to lose some parts. They have aged to a lovely warm patina hue. The original handset is matching, except for the minute hand that has aged a few shades lighter. All lume on dial and hands react as they should and in the same way when exposed to UV light; glowing bright and dying off after a few seconds. All gilt printings are complete, clean and bright.

 

The case is thick and sharp, showing factory finishes and prominent lug bevels. The original ‘Long 5’ bezel insert remains also in excellent condition, with some minor signs of wear and preserving the tritium pip/pearl. The case back shows light wear from use.

 

The original acrylic crystal remains clean, with only minor scratches that could be easily buffed away.

 

It comes suited on its original Rolex Riveted 7206 stainless steel bracelet with 80 end links and clasp date 2/66 that remains in great condition with hardly any stretch for this kind of bracelet. It shows light wear for its age.

 

It is running great and keeping time, although service history is unknown.

 

This is indeed a great and unique opportunity to own a very rare batch of a rare variant of a Rolex Submariner with gilt dial in a hardly seen condition.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request, as well as daylight pictures and videos.