While the vast majority of 1960s Rolex Submariners were replaced with a standard no-number dial, this example, which had never been serviced before, retained the highly sought-after Explorer 3-6-9 dial.
It fetched the bottom end of its £80,000-120,000 estimate and was bought by a buyer from the UK, who fought off competition on the phone from the US and Hong Kong.
Owned by the vendor since purchase, the Rolex Submariner 5513 watch came with its receipt, guarantee booklet and a 1965 Rolex sales catalogue.
It was one of more than 500 lots sold at Gardiner Houlgate’s watch sale in Corsham on May 23.
Other highlights were a 1955-56 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch estimated at £12,000-18,000 that sold for a hammer price of £26,500 and a Rolex Oyster Cosmograph Daytona with 'Sigma' dial circa 1973 estimated at £15,000-25,000, which made £45,000.
Gardiner Houlgate auctioneer David Hare said: “Right now, the market for vintage Rolexes from the 1960s up to the early '80s is very buoyant. It’s been a very good day with lots of interest from all round the world, including the US and many parts of Asia.”
