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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diver's watch

Rolex Submariner Reference 5513 'Bart Simpson'

Partially verified

This Rolex Submariner, reference 5513, originates from the early years of the model's production run, which spanned from 1962 to 1989. This specific dial variation is colloquially referred to as the 'Bart Simpson' dial due to the shape of the Rolex coronet logo, which is noted for its visual resemblance to the character from the animated television series. The source suggests this configuration may have resulted from a bleeding defect during the manufacturing process. The timepiece is equipped with a luminous handset and markers, and the stainless steel case retains its factory-finished bevels.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 featuring a gilt dial with a 'Bart Simpson' coronet.
Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 featuring a gilt dial with a 'Bart Simpson' coronet. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Diver's watch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
5513
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1960s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Coronet Design

The watch is fitted with a gilt dial, a method of printing where the typography is recessed into the surface, allowing the brass color of the dial plate to appear as the text. This technique was used by the manufacturer during the early portion of the 5513 reference production run before transitioning to matte dials in the latter half of the 1960s.

The dial is noted for a distinct coronet logo at the 12 o'clock position. This specific execution, termed the 'Bart Simpson' dial, displays a shape that deviates from the standard logo. The auction description reports that this modification might have been the result of a bleeding defect occurring during the dial production process. The dial also exhibits signs of matting, which the source identifies as an expected outcome of the aging process for gilt-style components.

Evidence for this section
  • “gilt printed dials were still in use by the brand”
  • “known as the ‘Bart Simpson’ for its unusual coronet signature at 12 that bears resemblance to the iconic cartoon character”
  • “likely due to a bleeding defect in the dial making process”
  • “exhibits some slight matting to the dial, which is very common as gilt dials tend to age”

Case and External Features

The stainless steel case retains the beveling originally applied during manufacturing. The bezel insert remains present, and the dial layout includes standard markers and a handset that possess matching luminous material.

The auction description reports that the dial surface, aside from the intentional design features, shows minor matting, which is attributed to age. Reflections or spots observed in some images are identified by the vendor as effects of strobe lighting rather than physical imperfections on the watch dial or crystal.

Evidence for this section
  • “the case still shows off it’s factory finished bevels”
  • “lume matches beautifully across the dial and handset”
  • “Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing.”

Production Context

The reference 5513 had a production lifecycle spanning approximately 30 years, starting in 1962 and concluding in 1989. Throughout this duration, the model underwent various evolutionary changes, moving from early gilt dials to later high-gloss versions featuring white gold surrounds.

This particular watch is placed within the early segment of the 5513 timeline. The transition away from gilt dials was motivated by production capacity constraints, as the manufacturer could not produce them at the same volume as the subsequent matte dial variants.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 5513 spanned almost 30 years of production (1962-1989)”
  • “The present example hails from the early years of the 5513 production run”
  • “couldn’t be produced in the same quantity as a matte dial”

Open research questions

  • Is there a specific serial number range associated with the 'Bart Simpson' dial variant?
  • Are there recorded instances of this specific coronet defect across other Rolex references of the same period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Submariner Reference 5513 'Bart Simpson'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ModelSubmariner“Rolex Submariner”
Reference5513“reference 5513”
Dial TypeGilt“gilt printed dials were still in use by the brand”
Dial NicknameBart Simpson“known as the ‘Bart Simpson’ for its unusual coronet signature”
Production EraEarly 5513 run“The present example hails from the early years of the 5513 production run”
Case ConditionFactory bevels“the case still shows off it’s factory finished bevels”

Visible details

  • Dial coronet logo features an altered shape
  • Gilt printing visible on the dial
  • Luminous material present on handset and markers
  • Case lugs retain factory beveling

Research qualifications

  • The 'Bart Simpson' coronet shape is described as a possible production defect
  • Dial matting is present, a condition described by the source as common for this age

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی غواصی Rolex Submariner رفرنس 5513 با صفحه معروف به Bart Simpson

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 36644013c4

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