Rolex “Explorer-Dial” Submariner

Description

Up for grabs is an exceptionally rare Rolex Submariner, Reference 5513, circa 1963.  This particular example features an early “PCG” or Pointed Crown Guards case; however, what really makes this one special is the dial.  The dial fitted on this Submariner is the so-called “Explorer” dial, named for its resemblance to the dial of an Explorer, which features an arabic 3, 6 and 9 marker (as opposed to a normal hash or circle-shaped lume plot.  Only a few of these dials have come to market over the years, and are highly coveted by collectors.

Further, the dial fitted on this specific example is a transitional dial.  In the latter half of 1963, Rolex began to transition from the use radium to tritium for their luminescent material.  As such, this dial moved from radium to the use of tritium in the hands and plots, and “Swiss” on the bottom was replaced with the more commonly known “T < 25”, indicating that the dial had tritium.

This iconic Rolex Submariner is in good vintage condition.  The case appears only very lightly polished, with thick and even lugs, and the original beveled edges clearly visible in the lugs.  The dial shows wear and age, as most of the 3-6-9 dials do that have survived over the years; most notably, the dial has some chipping to the very edge of the dial, near 6 o’clock.  The original tritium lume is present on both dial and hands, aged to a golden yellow color, with only partial loss in the 2 and 4 o’clock plots. The original “Long 5” bezel insert is in beautiful condition, with a lightly faded grey appearance.

The watch comes fitted on a Rolex Oyster rivet 7206/80 bracelet, dated to 1969, and has 12 full links and light stretch.