THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 5513
YEAR: 1989
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The 5513 marque of the Submariner is probably the most iconic, it also produced the most variations 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 (WGS) 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. This change was likely driven by the growing market share in the United States, which uses imperial measurements.

The present example was one of the last 5513s that left the Rolex factory. Dating back to 1989, it boasts a gloss WGS dial, and is probably the best example of this variation we have ever had. The tritium markers and hands have aged to a rich creamy patina, complemented by the insert that has aged to a dark navy hue. The dial is spotless and the case is superbly full with strong lugs and crown guards. It comes on the original full link 93150/580 bracelet, with an S-stamped clasp which is a later service replacement. 

The watch comes complete with its original inner and outer boxes, booklets, wallet, tags, translation papers, and the original guarantee. It comes to us in great health, running at +2 s/d, 250 amps, with a 0 beat error. A 4-digit sub looking like this, what's not to love.