1965 Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 'Double T < 25 Underline' Tropical Gilt dial

Launched in 1962, the Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 was the first Submariner model to be fitted with crown guards. The Rolex Ref. 5513 was the perfect tool watch for professional divers. First housing with the caliber 1530 and then, during the same year, the caliber 1520 and updated crown-guard design.

 

The first batches of the 5513 came with gilt dials until the end of the 1960s, when Rolex changed them to matte dials, and they are particularly sought after by collectors. Produced until approximately 1967, they impress with their glossy finish and recessed text which catches the light amazingly.

 

However, there were some variations that set some of these early versions watches apart from the rest.

 

One is the underline below the Submariner printing, which collectors believe meaning the use of tritium on the lume plots.

 

And the other one, is the double "T<25" designation on each side of the SWISS printing at 6 o'clock. This signature is more commonly (within its uncommonness) seen on Explorer "3-6-9" Ref. 5513 dials. So, to find a watch which features luminous plots with this variation is quite exceptional.

 

As far as our research has been able to get, there is only one other known Ref. 5513 with double T>25 Underline dial which was auctioned by Phillips in the EIGHT Geneva Auction that took place on the 10-11 November 2018, confirming its extreme rarity.

The watch offered for sale here is fresh-to-market one of only two known examples of a Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 with 'Double T < 25 Underline' gilt dial, and the only one of these that has aged to a lovely tropical hue. It dates to 1965.

 

The underline is totally period correct considering the serial number of the watch. The dial is undeniably original, showing some lovely wear and aging. It preserves its full glossiness, with all gilt printings vividly present. The dial most likely started its life in the early production stages of the Ref. 5513. And having, hypothetically, remained in the manufacture's stock, Rolex probably later added the underline and "double T < 25", noting both these inscriptions are in silver while the rest of the printings of the dial are in gold. This was done when tritium lume was applied on top of the existing original luminous material, pushed by regulatory changes which affected the watch production industry in that period. This also explains the strong reaction to UV light as the original radioactive luminous material is still mixed with the later tritium. The watch was then assembled and brought to market.

 

The case remains thick, showing signs of previous polishing. The case back is in the same condition, and it’s stamped III.64 on the inner side. The bezel insert shows a nice subtle fading and an equally nice aging to the markers. The original tritium pearl/pip has a matching patina.

 

The acrylic crystal has some light scratches at 6 that could be easily buffed away.

 

It is suited on its original Rolex riveted bracelet with 58 end links that shows stretch and wear.

 

It is running well and keeping time. Service history is unknown although watchmaker’s markings are present on the inner case back.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request, as well as movement and case back pictures.