THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 5513
YEAR: 1970
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The 5513 marque of the Submariner is arguably the most iconic. It also saw the greatest variety within the model during its 25-year production run. Starting in 1963 with pointed crown guard cases and charming gilt dials and hands, it evolved through to 1988/1989 with white gold-surrounded tritium markers and gloss dials.

Gilt dial 5513s were produced for only a few short years before matte dial 5513s were introduced around 1967. In the early 1970s, Rolex made another notable change to the dials, switching from meters to feet as the first measurement of the depth rating—a move likely driven by the growing market share in the United States, which uses imperial measurements.

Collectors have been appreciating and acquiring 5513s for years, so it’s especially special to find examples like this one from the original owner. The watch was purchased by the owner’s parents in August 1971 as a 21st birthday present. He loved and treasured it over the years, keeping it in fantastic condition. It features a "non-serif" dial with flat lume plots; the tritium lume on the dial and hands has acquired a rich, creamy patina, complemented by the MK3 insert which has gently faded to a grey-blue hue. The case is immense, with superbly full lugs and crown guards. The caseback features a lovely engraving dedicated to the owner for his birthday. The later G stamped (1982) 93150/580 bracelet has minimal stretch and is one link short, it can accommodate a 19cm wrist. 

We've just had the movement serviced, and it's running perfectly at 0 s/d, 295 amps, with a 0.3 ms beat error. We fitted a new old stock crown on the watch as the original disintegrated. The watch comes complete with its original inner and outer boxes, brochure, tag, service receipt, and original guarantee paper. This is a formidable 5513 that’s hard to fault.