Rolex “5513 Gilt” Submariner

Description

Up for grabs is a gorgeous example of a gilt-dial Rolex Submariner, Ref. 5513, circa 1966 (1.1m serial).  This dial variant is the last version of the gilt dial, before Rolex transitioned to the matte dial around 1967.  The watch itself is in fantastic condition.  The case does not appear to have been polished in the past, with original bevels still visible, but shows signs of wear.  The dial is beautiful and super glossy, and retains the factory “mirror”-like finish, with two small flaws to the dial (noticeably at the edge of the dial by 6 o’clock, and a very small blemish to the right of Rolex).  The original tritium lume is present on the dial and hands, matching and aged to a golden yellow.  The “Long 5” bezel insert is correct for the era, and is in beautiful condition.  Finally, the watch comes on a matching Rolex Swiss 7026 rivet bracelet with 80 endlinks, dating to 1966, and has 10 full links and virtually no stretch.