Rolex. A rare stainless steel automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, bracelet and black gloss underline dial

The present reference 5513 model stands out by its highly unusual black gloss dial, featuring a small silvered line underneath the designation "Submariner". Early versions, such as this watch, were fitted with the sophisticated and today very popular black gloss dial. These black dials must be regarded as the ultimate state of the art in dial manufacturing as revealing a rich complexity of different layers applied to the metal base. In fact, the gilt writing and minute markings are not printed on the black background but underneath and shine through in negative relief. However to further enhance its sophistication, the silvered underline is superimposed and printed onto the black background.

The present watch, also featuring the first version of pointed crown guards as one would expect, is one of the most beautiful and charismatic references 5513 a collector could ask for.

Based on the engraved inscription on the back of the watch, it most likely belonged to an employee of Rodriquez Shipyards in Messina. Rodriquez Cantiere Navale was established in 1887 by Leopoldo Rodriquez in the city of Messina, located on the Eastern tip of Sicily. Following World War II, the firm specialized in the development of hydrofoils and launched in 1956 the world's first commercial fast ferry "Freccia del Sole".

For other examples references 5513 with underline dial see Rolex Submariner Story by France e Guido Mondani, Lele Ravagnani, Guido Mondani Editore, pp. 58 & 59.