THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 5513
YEAR: 1967
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 produced 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. This change was likely driven by the growing market share in the United States, which uses imperial measurements.
The present example, with a 1.6m serial and matching "II 67" caseback, was one of the first matte dial 5513s that left the Rolex factory. It features a rare "zinc sulfide" dial, a lume mixture that Rolex used for a very short period between 1967-68. They have a unique puffy/dome texture and still glow extremely brightly under UV or strong light, before gradually fading away. The lume on the markers and hands is perfect and aged to a light creamy hue. The meters first matte dial is also in super condition. There is a light mark next to the "R" in "Rolex". The watch has been worn and enjoyed over the years and cared for by Rolex, as shown by the service documents and caseback engravings. The case remains in good shape, proudly displaying light marks gathered over nearly 60 years. Time has also done wonders to the insert - giving it a striking dark navy/grey hue that complements the watch perfectly.
The watch comes on a 78360 bracelet with "V" code, which was a replacement during a 1996 service. It comes complete with its original box, original guarantee, service receipts, service papers, and an additional Rolex service box from the 70s. The movement came to us in great health, running at +2 s/d, with an amplitude of 275 and a beat error of 0.2 ms.
It's hard to beat an honest 5513, and this one would sit proudly in any collection.