Rolex
Submariner Gilt Explorer "Kissing L" Dial Stainless Steel - 5513

We are delighted to be offering this extremely rare example of the Rolex Submariner 5513 with 3-6-9 Explorer and kissing L dial manufactured circa 1964. That is not the only extraordinary details of this particular piece which also includes a gloss dial, gilt writing inclusive of the kissing L in the Rolex name, Explorer style-Coronet, meters first depth rating writing, single “SWISS” at 6 o’clock advising of the reduced Radium on the hour numbers, baton markers, hands and pointed crown guards to the case.
The Rolex 5513 Submariner with the 3-6-9 Explorer Dial is one of the most collectable 5513s’ ever produced and looks unlike any other Submariner bearing that reference number. Our 5513 has the so-called Explorer dial with the 3 -6-9 in place of the rectangular lume plots at those hour markers. There are also slim luminous batons on the other hours (instead of circular plots) along with the dial text being reduced in size.
Only a small fraction of the Rolex Submariners from its early production run, in all incarnations with references 6538, 6200, 5510, 5512 and the 5513, were fitted with the special 3-6-9 dial. The ‘Explorer dial gets its name after the similar layout to the Explorer dial design as opposed to the standard Submariner dial with the more usual circular plots, baton and triangular indexes.
There are reported to be 9 different types of Submariner/Explorer dials and they can also be divided into 2 main types, based on the type of luminescent material used on the markers and hands this being either Radium or Tritium.
The Submariner reference 5513 was introduced in 1962 and there was still a moderately revised model in the line-up until 1989-making it one of the longest running model references in the Rolex range.
The overall condition of this rare vintage Submariner is good. The case with its PCG (pointed crown guards) does not show any signs of over polishing or detailing, with all the lugs and PCG remaining strong and equal. The serial 100---- number and model 5513 numbers are clear and crisp, along with the inside of the case back being correctly stamped 5513 and date stamped IIII63 confirming production date to the last quarter in 1963. The Explorer 3-6-9 gloss dial is in good condition showing honest vintage patina to the surface of the dial inclusive of minor hand drag. The Radium 3-6-9 numerals, slim rectangular hour markers and hands have all aged consistently. The original bezel and thick font insert are in very good condition, with no apparent dings or scratches.
The watch comes on its correct 7206 reference bracelet that is date stamped 1965/III, we consider this to be the period that watch was originally purchased. The bracelet is in excellent condition and showing only average stretch and wear for a vintage sports vintage.
Praise Indeed
As you can appreciate with such a rare Submariner we have reached out to our trusted and recognised leading authorities in the vintage Rolex community. They have unanimously agreed on the authenticity of the watch with its dial and case. They also pointed out that the movement has been professionally serviced over the years and some moving parts have been exchanged.