Rolex Submariner 5513 Gilt

The vintage look of this 1966 no-date Submariner is simply stunning and its rare features make it a collectible wristwatch.

This Rolex Submariner 5513 was produced in 1966 and features a gilt glossy dial with zinc sulphide lume. The term "gilt" refers to the gold color of the print and "glossy" describes the reflective, shiny black dial surface. The watches with these dials were produced in the Rolex's golden era of the 1950s and 1960s and still capture the hearts of Rolex collectors today.

What makes this dial even more special is the rare zinc sulphide luminous material, which was only used for two years. The transition from radium to tritium took place from around the mid-1960s. In 1966 and 1967, the long-lasting zinc sulphide luminous material was used temporarily. Only a few watches with this special greenish lume were produced, and even fewer have survived in good condition to this day.

The breathtaking vintage look of this Submariner is not only due to the unique patina of the dial, but also to the faded bezel - also known as the "ghost bezel".

Condition report
Dial: authentic aging of the glossy black surface - perfect gilt print - small chip at 12 o'clock (only visible under a loupe) - original zinc sulphide lume - signed "SWISS - T<25" at 6 o'clock.

Case: honest worn condition - full profile - reference 5513 and date stamp III/66 inside the case back - intact numbers between the lugs.

Bezel: rotating diver's bezel with an original inlay - faded to a beautiful grey colour - slight natural signs of wear.

Movement: Rolex automatic calibre 1520 - values on the timegrapher: rate: +65s/day, amplitude: 214, beat error: 1.3 - the watch can be serviced on request (included in the price).

Bracelet: riveted Oyster bracelet - natural signs of wear - original Rolex clasp with light scratches - slight stretch - bracelet ref. 7206 - endlinks 80 - date stamp in the clasp: 2/67.

Summing-Up
This is a collectible example of the coveted gilt Submariner from 1966 with a great patina. Of course, the watch shows some signs of wear, but that's what makes it so honest and authentic. A very cool vintage wristwatch with a number of rare features.

Serial number: 1467xxx (1966)

Int.Exe.: 1967031