Rolex Submariner (5513)

Vintage 40mm Rolex Submariner (5513)

Though Rolex made earlier models called, “Submariner,” the modern Submariner traces its roots to the references 5512 and 5513.  These were the first Submariners to feature crown guards and the 40mm case.   The reference 5513 was a non-chronometer rated watch (as opposed to the chronometer rated 5512), which means that the dial does not have the “Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified” lines of text.  Many prefer the reduced text on the 5513 dial  and find it attractive and endearing.  The watch features a plexi-glass crystal and a depth rating of 200 meters, as opposed to the later 300 meters.  Together with the bi-directional bezel, (which wasn’t changed to the uni-directional bezel until approximately 1977), the reference 5513 looks like a modern Submariner but it is distinctly vintage.

There are many features that make the 5513 one of the most beloved Submariners. Over the three decades that the 5513 was produced, Rolex continued to introduce refinements and minor tweeks that serve to offer collectors a large range of variations to discover.  While the variations were not limited to the dials, the majority of the variations appeared in the dials.  There were underline dials, gilt dials, matte dials and military dials.  Within each were sub-sets, sometimes with six or more types.

The dial on this watch is a “meters first” with a beautiful matte black finish. The solid black color of the matte dial, the rich custard hue of the lume, and the glossy black of the aluminum bezel insert are all intact. The lume on the hour hand has received a color matching relume. The correct domed plexi-glass crystal is in excellent condition, as is the bezel. Lastly, the case is free of nicks, has pointed crown guards, shows the brushing on top of the lugs, and the sides appear to have been previously polished.