The world of vintage Rolex collecting is rife with highly sought-after variations, each with its own unique story and captivating history. Among these, a particularly enigmatic and coveted piece stands out: the Rolex Submariner 5513 with a dial affectionately nicknamed the "Bart Simpson" dial. This isn't a limited edition officially released by Rolex; rather, it's a naturally occurring variation stemming from a specific period in Rolex's production history, resulting in a dial configuration that bears an uncanny resemblance to the iconic hairstyle of Bart Simpson, the mischievous son from the animated series *The Simpsons*. This article delves deep into the world of the Rolex Bart Simpson 5513, exploring its rarity, its defining characteristics, its appeal to collectors, and the fascinating details that make it such a legendary piece.
The Genesis of a Legend: The 1965-1966 Rolex Submariner 5513
The Rolex Bart Simpson 5513 isn't just any Submariner; it’s a time capsule from a pivotal period in Rolex's history. Specifically, these highly sought-after watches were produced only during a short window, between 1965 and 1966. This limited production run is a key factor contributing to its extreme rarity and desirability. The watch itself is the iconic Rolex Submariner reference 5513, a model that has achieved legendary status in its own right for its robust construction, exceptional reliability, and timeless design. However, the Bart Simpson dial transforms this already iconic watch into something truly special.
The defining characteristic of the Bart Simpson 5513 is its unique dial. During the transition from radium to tritium lume, Rolex experimented with various dial configurations. The Bart Simpson dial falls within this transitional period, showcasing a striking combination of features that give it its distinctive appearance. The most noticeable feature is the gilt, or gold-colored, print on the dial. This gilt is applied to the hour markers, the minute markers, and the text ("Rolex," "Oyster Perpetual," "Submariner," and "Swiss Made"). The application of the gilt, combined with the slightly uneven aging and patina that naturally occurs over time, is what contributes to the "Bart Simpson" effect.
The "Bart Simpson" Haircut: A Matter of Dial Design
The name "Bart Simpson" comes from the visual resemblance of the gilt print's shape to Bart's signature spiky hairstyle. The coronet, the small crown logo above the "six" on the dial, is particularly crucial in creating this effect. The coronet's placement and the slightly irregular application of the gilt around it, especially noticeable on the upper half of the dial, mimic the uneven, spiky nature of Bart's hair. This isn't a deliberate design choice by Rolex; rather, it's a serendipitous outcome of the manufacturing processes and materials used during this specific timeframe. It's this unintentional aesthetic that elevates the dial from a simple transitional piece to a highly sought-after collector's item.
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