Vintage of the Week: Rolex Submariner 5513

1A Vintage Submariner 5513 is a classic watch with an incredibly long production run.

This week’s vintage Rolex is the Submariner ref. 5513.  This incredible watch was introduced in 1962 to replace the Reference 5508 and was produced until 1990.  It shot to fame as the “Live and Let Die” watch worn by James Bond in the movie of that name.  Today, it is one of the most collectible of the Submariners and, although affordable models are still found, it has increased significantly in value since 2003.

A Vintage Submariner 5513 on a wrist will make any enthusiast drool.

A Classic Tool Watch

Many collectors love the Rolex Submariner 5513 because of its classic design.  It sits on the wrist easily and the dial is uncluttered and simple.  Since the Rolex 5513 was produced for nearly 30 years, there are multiple dial variations that are possible, depending on the year of production.  For example, some dials have ink traps on the hour and five-minute markers, but not all.

The back of a Submariner 5513 is a simple caseback. Very similar to many other Submariners.

The Rolex Submariner 5513 was launched in 1962 and is depth-rated to 200 meters or 660 feet.  It has an 8 mm crown and gilt printing on the dial.  The 1963 version featured a non-chronometer movement and a Swiss T<25 printed on the dial.

As a watch ages, you can tell that the lume becomes patina and browns into a perfect match.

The next update was 1976, when the word “Submariner” was printed above the depth rating.  The dial was updated again in 1984 with gold markings around the minute and hour markers, but the 1988 version featured an even bigger change, with Sapphire glass.  This is the last official Submariner version of the watch before it was replaced by the introduction of the 14060 model.

There are many possible dial variations of the Rolex Submariner 5513, including:

• The gilt dial 200M with small equals sign
• The gilt dial 200M with large equals sign and “Bar Simpson” coronet
• The matte dial 200M with small equals sign
• The matte dial 600M with open 6
• The matte dial 600M with open 6 and serifs on the hour markers
• The matte dial 600M with open 6 known as the “maxi dial”
• The matte dial 600M with closed 6
• The matte dial with “Submariner” above the 600m and open 6
• The matte dial with “Submariner” above the 600m closed 6 with a very flat “S”
• The glossy dial and white gold markers with 200m=660 ft and a closed 6
• The glossy dial with WG markers 660ft=200m and a closed 6

Those looking for a handsome Rolex with great recognition factor and sheer, sophisticated appeal can hardly go wrong with the Rolex Submariner 5513.