Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 'PCG', 'Gilt Underline Pumpkin' Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

The Rolex Submariner is a true icon — and the word "icon" does get thrown around an awful lot. If you were to ask ten people at random to draw you their idea of what a watch looks like, there is a significant chance that they would draw or describe something that looks like a Rolex Submariner. It’s the dive watch of reference, and good/bad/indifferent there is no escaping it. Throughout its 70-year production, there have been countless small changes made to the model, particularly in the first decade or so, with the 5513 representing a true landmark in the history of the model. The Ref. 5513 mirrored the slightly earlier Ref. 5512 in virtually every way, minus the chronometer certified calibre within, and therefore only 2 lines of text on the bottom half of the dial, rather than the 4 that chronometer certified watches bear until this day. The 5513 enjoyed a long twenty seven year production run, and like many Rolex models, there was a large number of variations to the dials, bezel inserts, bracelets, etc., which results in a very fun and interesting collecting experience. The piece that we have here hails from the early years of 5513 production where 'gilt' printed dials were still in use by the brand. Gilt dials are when the lettering, text, etc. are punched out of the dial so that the brass baseplate shows through, creating a truly stunning golden text appearance. These were and are not easy to produce and were ultimately phased out by Rolex in the later half of the 1960s, as they could not produced in the same quantity as a matte dial. But there is no denying the beauty of a gilt dial and they remain highly desirable to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Dating to circa 1963, this is quite simply one of the most striking and standout vintage Submariners that we have ever had the pleasure of offering. The rare 'pointed crown guard' case remains thick and symmetrical, retaining crisp undersides and visible chamfers on the lugs. It shows normal wear with no major damage of note, with a crisp bezel and excellent 'fat font' insert with a deeply patinated pip. It comes fitted to a correct, albeit slightly later 'rivet' Oyster bracelet with a signed blade clasp. The highlight of this piece, however, is the dial. The brass base of the dial has patinated in such a way that the gold color has changed to a rich, orange copper tone. Additionally, the Tritium plots exhibit a rich 'pumpkin' patina, making for an orange-rich appearance throughout. And it keep getting better.... this piece also features a small silver 'underline' under the text on the top half of the dial. Almost unnoticeable and easily missed if you are not looking for it, it is widely agreed that this was one of the ways that Rolex denoted that they had transitioned to using Tritium from Radium. Found exclusively on pieces from this era, it has become one of those small details that collectors go crazy for. Last but not least, this piece is accompanied by it's box, punched guarantee papers dated 2/4/1966, and even a hangtag. This piece offers so much... depth... in its collectability, elevating an already classic vintage reference one level up with the underline, the patina, and the included ephemera. Watch collecting is a funny thing isn't it?