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 offered 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 versions were introduced around 1967. In the early 1970s, Rolex made another notable change to the dials, switching from meters to feet as the first unit of depth rating—a shift likely driven by the growing U.S. market, which uses imperial measurements.
The present example, with a late 1.7 million serial and matching "II 67" caseback, features an early "Meters First" matte dial with zinc sulfide lume—a luminous compound that Rolex used for a very short period between 1967–68. These have a unique puffy, domed texture and still glow extremely brightly under UV or strong light before gradually fading.
These zinc sulfide 5513s are not easy to come by—and it just so happens that we have two (amazingly, both full sets). It's fascinating to see how differently they’ve aged over the last 58 years. This particular example has seen little sunlight over the decades, resulting in a rich patina on the hour markers. The zinc sulfide lume, while still distinctively puffy, shows some darker spots. The hands have aged slightly less, exhibiting a subtle green tinge that's unique to zinc sulfide models. The case, though previously polished, remains nice and full. The original “Long 5” insert is remarkable, showing a very gentle navy fade. The later 9315/380 ‘pateted error’ folded link bracelet is also in excellent condition. It will accommodate a 19.5cm wrist.
The watch has been cared for over the years, as evidenced by the service engravings on the case back. The movement runs healthily at +3 s/d, with an amplitude of 279 and a beat error of 0.2 ms. It comes as a complete set with all of its inner and outer box, guarantee booklet, booklet and tags. A super cool 5513 that we’re proud to add to our lineup.