Introduction
Debuting in 1953 and released to the public the following year, the Rolex Submariner has undoubtedly become one of the most iconic timepieces of all time thanks to its legendary status as Rolex's flagship dive watch. Used extensively by the British Royal Navy and professional diving operations like COMEX, the Submariner set the bar for all dive watches to follow. Featuring a genuinely timeless design that has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history, this Rolex has become the archetypal sports watch. With very few large-scale aesthetic upgrades made to it over the years except for timely advancements like introducing a date function to the collection in the late '60s, and its modern cerachrom bezels, the Submariner is seen as the prototypical dive watch thanks to its consistency. The Submariner has earned its status as a legendary watch, with it today remaining as one of the most sought-after timepieces around.
The 5513 was produced from 1962 to 1988, and was the non-chronometer version of the non-date Submariner. There were a multitude of dial variants made over those 26 years, ranging from gilt chapter ring dials in the beginning to matte dials, then ultimately the glossy dials with white gold luminous surrounds.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Later Rolex Box and Purchase Documentation
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Submariner
Movement
Automatic cal. 1520
Reference
5513
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1966
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, later Rolex Box and third-party Purchase Documentation
Dial Color
Black Gilt Dial with relumed indexes
THE DIAL
Boasting a matte black dial, this example's display features the rare and desirable "Bart Simpson" Rolex coronet at 12 o'clock, as identified by its shorter prongs, which look like Bart Simpson's iconic hairstyle.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Iconic in its styling and design, the Submariner 5513's beautiful stainless steel construction fits the wrist perfectly and with a certain aura of familiarity given the collection's relatively unchanged design since the ref. 5513 was discontinued in 1988.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows moderate wear with soft lugs. The bezel insert is later than the watch, and retains an original luminous pearl. The dial is in good condition, with light signs of surface wear and spotting. The luminous has been relumed and multiple indexes are abraded and imperfect as seen in the images. The hands have been relumed as well, and have a greenish hue. Watch comes on a riveted bracelet that has been restored at some point with later components added like the folding clasp blades. Bracelet has 12 links total and fits an approx 7" wrist. There is moderate stretch.
Our Perspective
Arguably one of the most iconic sports watches ever made, the Submariner ref. 5513 is as stunning as it is desirable. Its design formed the foundation upon which almost every Submariner released since then has used to establish itself as the watch we know and love today. Its status as the more affordable non-chronometer Submariner variant opened the collection to a slew of owners who proudly wore their Rolex and enabled the watch to become what it is today.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
