Rolex Submariner

This is a watch fit for a “true man of business”. This watch is engraved "a um verdadeiro homen de negocios" on the case back and was presented by Colgate Palmolive to an employee in 1969 for some unknown occasion. We don’t know what this true man of business accomplished, but it must have been substantial to merit such an award.  The Rolex Submariner is a classic, and there’s good reason why almost every collector winds up with a vintage Rolex sports model in their stash eventually- these are timeless, tough, do-anything, go-anywhere tool watches. Rolex has been producing Submariners uninterrupted since the watch was introduced at the Basel Fair watch exposition in 1954, and while those first Big Crown subs are truly incredible pieces, we’ll have to wait for our lottery numbers to hit to get one of those strapped to our wrist. This meters-first reference 5513 is in excellent condition for its age, and was obviously well cared for by its previous owners. The dial and hands and developed an incredible even creamy patina, and the watch has the look that all vintage Sub buyers are after. The case is nice and fat, saved of the dreaded fate of over-polishing, and the bezel is in great condition, with the tritium pearl still intact (and matching the dial quite well). The 5513 has become incredibly popular over the last couple years, and excellent examples have become frustratingly difficult to come by.  With these watches, it’s really all about the patina, and this example is about as nice as they come. We’re sure this one won’t last long.