MK Personal Collection Rare Tropical Rolex Submariner Ref 5513 Wristwatch Circa 1965

MK Personal Collection The present lot is part of a larger privately held collection and is intended for exhibition purposes only. Rare Tropical Rolex Submariner Ref 5513 Wristwatch Circa 1965. This very fine and rare men's circular wristwatch by Rolex Watch Co. Submariner Model Ref 5513 in a three piece steel case. The back case is stamped 5513 III.65, Serial #1.XXX.XXX ,original 200 meter first 660 feet honey brown outrages dial with luminous round, triangular and Bâton indexes and luminous "skeleton" hands, highly charismatically aged brown lacquered dial with gold printing. Among collectors this type of dial is now called "tropical". This designation is derived from the color of the lacquer which over the years has changed from black to a warm chocolate brown. The present watch is fitted with a transitional dial, marked "Swiss - T < 25", Cal. 1520 rhodium-plated 26 jewel movement with a straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to five positions and temperatures, shock-absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring, Microstella regulating screws. It is attached to an original period Rolex steel oyster bracelet stamped on the end pieces 80 7206 and on the folding clasp 1.66. The watch is in overall very good condition but it does need an overhaul and new crystal or just have the crystal polished out. An especially alluring variant of reference 5513 is one fitted with a lacquer dial, such as the present watch. Produced until approximately 1967, lacquer, or gilt dials, impress with their glossy finish and golden text which catches the light beautifully. The present example features a particularly attractive dial that has turned a warm tobacco "tropical" tone with age. While the luminous markers have aged evenly with the hands, the lacquer displays a charming "spiderwebbing" effect.