The present watch is an evocative and exceptionally appealing early example of the Submariner reference 5513, distinguished by its gilt gloss dial bearing the elusive “underline”, a discreet and historically important marking produced only during a narrow transitional period in the early 1960s. This subtle horizontal stroke, placed beneath the text at 6 o’clock, is today understood as a signifier of Rolex’s evolving approach to luminous material standards, making these dials highly sought after by connoisseurs for their rarity and their emblematic place in the brand’s technological evolution.

The dial itself is a superb survivor of the era, maintaining a deep, mirror-like gloss characteristic of early gilt Submariners. The luminous hour plots have matured into a warm, even patina, offering a striking contrast against the black lacquer surface. The hands have been professionally relumed, blending harmoniously with the dial’s aged luminous material and preserving the watch’s overall aesthetic coherence. Together, they give the watch a poetic sense of time passed and a visual harmony often coveted in vintage Rolex collecting.

Its caseback, correctly stamped III.63, situates the watch firmly within the most desirable production window for underline dials, strengthening its historical significance. Complementing the ensemble is a riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet reference 7206, with correct 80 end links and a clasp stamped 4.66, a fitting and period-appropriate accompaniment that enhances the authenticity of the piece.

Brimming with charm, rarity, and historical resonance, this Submariner 5513 embodies the soul of early Rolex tool-watch production. Its combination of a scarce configuration, rich patina, and textbook period components makes it not merely a collector’s item, but a deeply evocative artifact from the golden age of diving watches. A compelling opportunity to acquire one of the most celebrated and elusive variants of the early Submariner lineage.