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, which is what the example we have featured.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Submariner
Movement
Automatic cal. 1520
Reference
5513
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1988
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Given its status as one of the very last 5513's, this example's jet black glossy dial features 18k white gold hour marker surrounds and hands which wonderfully complement its brilliantly white tritium lume.
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 Submariner 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
The present watch is in overall excellent condition. The crystal with surface wear, the numerals and hands match and are a clean white. The case with minor polishing, wear and dings predominantly to the sides of the case. The case back with minor pin head dings and surface wear, the inside of the case back is stamped with reference number 5512. The numbers between the lugs are very crisp and easy to read. The bracelet with wear and stretch, 11 links, 1 removable.
Our Perspective
Easily one of the most iconic sports watches ever made, the Submariner ref. 5513 is as stunning as it is desirable, with its design forming the foundation upon which almost every Submariner released since has used to establish itself amongst collectors and divers alike. Furthermore, this very late example from the 5513's last year of production features modern creature comforts such as its 18k white gold hands and dial surrounds.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
