Rolex Submariner (No Date) Glossy Patina Dial

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

Brand: Rolex

Model: Submariner

Model Number: 5513

S/N: #974xxxx

Year: Circa 1987

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Crystal: Acrylic

Size: 40MM

Dial: Tritium-Glossy Dial Black

Bezel: Bidirectional Rotating Stainless steel with beautifully faded lightly grey original insert with matching pearl

Movement Cal: 1520

Type: Automatic

Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel

Type: Oyster

Clasp: Fold clasp

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀

Rolex produced gilt dials for its sports watches in the early '60s, including Subs. These dials were produced by a time-intensive process that exposed the underlying metal of the dial blank.

Since the technique exposes the blank brass underneath the dial's face, this often results in golden text and markers. A lacquer is also added, giving the black dial a "glossy," shiny finish.

This gilt process was used by Rolex to produce 5513 (and 5512) dials until the late '60s. Today, collectors still love gilt dials because they're deep and rich, with metallic lettering that no paint can match – and gilt Subs carry the price premiums to prove it.