Gardiner Houlgate
Los 100
Rare Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner stainless steel gentleman's bracelet watch with the 3-6-9 Explorer dial, ref. 5513, circa 1964, serial no. 1103xxx, the black dial with double 'T*This watch was purchased in 1974 by the present owner from jewellers in Dover, to aid his BSAC diving qualifications, it has been much admired and travelled with his dives in the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Caribbean and the Great Barrier Reef. Whilst there are no papers or box, it comes with a number of scanned family photographs depicting the owner wearing the watch in 1974 and 1976 A similar example with the same variation of dial print and date, numbered 1103633, was sold in December 2013 by Anderson & Garland of Newcastle for £86,000 ($141,000) (ex lot 712) These rare Rolex Submariners with Explorer dials were believed to have been produced in very small numbers during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Following the success of Gardiner Houlgate selling two similar examples in 2016, for £160,000 and £140,000 respectively in May and October 2016, this fine rare example with private provenance is now offered for sale.Condition Report:Movement - clean and currently working. Dial - considered good, typical light crazing, some small black loss to the rim at the 11-12 position, also a small area at the 6 position. Glass - some visible surface marks and scratching. Hands - evidence of oxidised wear visible beneath a 10x loupe. Case - typical marks and light scratching from general wear. Bezel - a service bezel in good condition. Crown - working correctly. Strap/Bracelet - replacement service clasp, some bruising and light swelling to the links.Condition reports are provided for guidance only. Please view images and further information can be obtained upon request. Gardiner Houlgate do not guarantee the working order or time accuracy of any lots.
