Vintage Rolex Submariner Ref 5513 Black Dial

Vintage Rolex Submariner Ref 5513 Black Dial

This 5513 is in overall good, attractive vintage condition. The case is in good condition with normal signs of wear’ the caseback has some scratches. The back of the case is stamped “5513 III.66.” Serial and reference numbers are clearly visible. The bezel ring has remained sharp. The “Long 5” bezel insert is in good, honest condition and has developed wear and scratches throughout; it has faded throughout to an attractive grey color. The inner edge of the bezel has some wear. The pip is a later replacement. This watch has retained it’s correct non-triplock crown. The dial has developed a textured/ spotted/ crazed patina throughout with some wear giving it a unique look. The dial has some gloss still. The lume on the dial has developed patina and aged to a lovely buttery yellow color; the plots show signs of degradation. The hands have developed patina and are later replacements; the lume has been color corrected/ relumed to match the color of the lume on the dial. The C& I rivet oyster bracelet is in good condition with some wear throughout; it has 12 links. The bracelet has stretch between the links which is not uncommon. The clasp is stamped “74” indicating it’s from 1974.

Rolex introduced ref. 5513 around 1962 and it was in production until 1989. It was one of the longest continually produced references from the brand. Rolex initially used glossy dials in this model and swapped to matte the matte style after 1966. The example we have here is circa 1966 and would be part of the last run of glossy dials.

Collectors have dubbed this version of the gilt/glossy 5513 the “Bart Simpson” because the coronet style resembles Bart’s head shape. So if you hear a collector refer to a watch as a “Bart Sub” this is what they mean. When looking closely, the movement is stamped with the US import code “ROW” indicating it was made for the US market. So the original bracelet was most likely just like the 1974 C&I that is on it now. Combined with the C&I bracelet, these elements give the 5513 the quintessential look and feel collectors gravitate towards.

Authenticity