THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 5513
YEAR: 1988
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The 5513 is, without a doubt, the quintessential vintage Rolex — and it also produced the most variations within the model during its 25-year production run. From early gilt dials and pointed crown guard cases, to matte dials, and finally gloss dials, 5513s from different eras each have a distinct character.

The example here represents the final variation of the feet-first dial, produced in the second to last year of the 5513 production. It features the now-familiar gloss background with white-gold-surround (WGS) lume plots. The watch is in superb condition: the case remains full and unpolished. The dial and hands are tritium, aged to a rich cream; the Mk8 flat-4 bezel with tritium pip is spot-on for this era. It is fitted with its K-code 93150 Oyster bracelet, dating it to 1986. You’ll also notice the case back is stamped 5512 — a common occurrence after the discontinuation of the 5512, when Rolex used the remaining identical case backs for the 5513.

The watch has recently been serviced and pressure-tested to 5 bar. It is currently running at +2 s/d, 280 amps, with a beat error of 0.0 ms. It comes with its original wallet, calendar, translation papers, booklets, and anchor.