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From the Library
The Details
Condition
Very Good
Box
No
Case Size
40mm
Material
Steel
Year
1966
Papers
No
Dial Color
Black
Movement
Automatic
Condition
Very Good
Case Size
40mm
Year
1966
Dial Color
Black
Box
No
Material
Steel
Papers
No
Movement
Automatic
Listing TW-DDDGF8
$29,499
+ $100 insured shipping within: United States of America
+ Sales tax where applicable. Purchases of $25,000 or more are completed by bank wire with no payment processing fee.
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Coral Gables, FL
Description
Few vintage Submariners capture the character of the gilt era quite like this Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 “Bart Simpson.” Produced in 1966 with a 1.47 million serial, this early Meters First example combines a beautifully patinated, tropical glossy gilt dial with the distinctive coronet that gives the “Bart Simpson” variant its name. The dial is the centerpiece of the watch: a deep, super-gloss black lacquer surface with warm gilt printing and minute track, complemented by original tritium lume plots that have aged to a rich, custard-colored patina. Its tropical aging has developed naturally over the decades, with attractive spotting across the dial creating a subtle, starry effect while retaining the depth and character collectors look for in an early gilt 5513. The original luminous material reacts under UV and fades rapidly, consistent with aged tritium. The defining “Bart Simpson” coronet features the unusually short, blunt points and flatter base that distinguish this rare dial variant. Combined with the Meters First depth rating and gilt printing, it places the watch firmly within the final years of Rolex’s glossy gilt-dial production before the transition to matte dials. The case remains particularly strong, retaining thick, even lugs and an honest overall appearance appropriate to its age. The Fat Font bezel insert is equally appealing, exhibiting an attractive aged tone with minimal wear. Completing the watch is a Rolex riveted folded-link 7206 Oyster bracelet fitted with 80 end links. The bracelet shows minimal stretch and retains 11 links, with dive extension. Its 1-67 date code (January 1967) provides a period-correct pairing with the 1.47M serial (late 1966) watch. A rare and highly collectible expression of the early Submariner, this 5513 “Bart Simpson” brings together the traits that make vintage Rolex so compelling: an early gilt Meters First dial, unmistakable period-correct character, naturally aged luminous material, a strong case, and a beautiful bezel insert.
