Rolex 5513

About the Rolex 5513 Submariner

Rolex released the 5513 in 1962 as a less expensive version of the chronometer certified 5512. The 5513 has the same case as the 5512 and uses the same caliber movement family (caliber 1530). The big difference is that the 1530 movement was not chronometer certified, saving the consumer a few dollars. 5513 production models went through a few distinct phases during its production run of 27 years. Early models featured shiny/dimensional dial finishes with gilt chapter rings and dial text. Later models featured non-glare/matte dial finishes and white chapter ring text. Highly desirable are models from the mid-1960s where Rolex temporarily placed "660ft = 200m" immediately below the Submariner text. This dial is commonly referred to by collectors as the meters first dial.

Price Trends Market Report

Rolex 5513s have been steadily increasing in price over the last decade. A straight or standard matte dial example from the seventies or eighties can usually be had for anywhere between $12,000 and $18,000 depending on condition and service integrity. Early gilt dial references (Sixties) sell between $20,000 and $35,000. Rare meters first dial examples over $100,000 untouched with patina.

Factors affecting 5513 value include originality of case, dial and movement components. Condition is often less important than originality. A well preserved watch with a non-original dial may sell for half as much as a tired example with the original tropical brown dial. Watches with boxes and papers tend to realize 20-30% more, however such accessories are rare on a watch of this age. Watches with cases that have not been polished and retain crisp crown guards and lug details are very sought after.

Model Collections

Early References (1962-1966)

The earliest references came with polished dials and had gilt (gold colored) text and corresponding gilt chapter ring. This model originally had pointed crown guards which Rolex updated to rounded. Depending on year of manufacture early Rolex 5513 watches will have either underline dials or no dials (Tritium was used as the luminous material). Movement used was the caliber 1530 which was not chronometer certified.

These early 5513s are special because they are closer to the original Submariner aesthetic. The gilt text has a different luminosity than white printing and imparts a warmer tone to the dial. Some early references have taken on a tropical dial patina which causes the black dial to fade to brown/chocolate tones. Original gilt examples in good condition with original hands/bezel insert/unpolished case command premium prices. Expect to spend $25k to $40k for nice examples of gilt 5513s and higher for exceptional pieces.

Meters First (Mid-1960s)

Rolex made a very short run of 5513 references from circa 1966 to circa 1967 that had "660ft = 200m" written below the Submariner legend. Pre-first variation depth ratings are denoted by feet first. Post-second variation depth ratings are denoted by meters first, without the "660ft" equivalent. The short time during which both were produced is known as the meters first dial and is one of the most sought-after 5513 variations.

Meters first examples were produced in an extremely limited time frame. This means that meters first examples are much harder to find than regular 5513s. Most of the dials will be matte black with white print, however there are some transitional pieces that lean towards gilt. Prices have soared for meters first references recently. Depending on condition and authenticity they can range anywhere from $50,000 to well over $150,000. Original untouched examples command top dollar. Look for original rad/triumph patina, hands and period correct bezels.

Matte Dial References (Late 1960s-1980s)

Around 1968 Rolex began offering the 5513 with matte dials and white text rather than gilt. References produced in this manner comprise the majority of 5513 watches ever produced, and signifies the longest production sequence of all of the variations. The movement of the matte dial 5513 evolved through several iterations including caliber 1530, the higher beat 1520, and finally settling on caliber 1530 until its discontinuation in 1989.

Maxi Dial (1980s)

Rolex is known by collectors to have released the maxi dial on late-production 5513 references during the 1980s. This dial has been described as having larger hour markers and hands when compared to pre-existing versions, making the watch appear slightly thicker. Tritium lume plots are visibly larger on maxi dials, and the hands themselves have more surface area to which luminous material can be applied. These changes reflect Rolex's shift to more legible dive watch designs with bolder dial fonts.

Maxi dial 5513s are the last iteration of this reference before Rolex ceased production in 1989. Most have white gold hour marker surrounds and caliber 1520 movements. Prices fall between standard matte dial and early gilt references, typically $15,000 to $22,000 depending on condition. The reason collectors like the maxi dial variation is because they offer vintage charm, with slightly more contemporary proportions. Maxi dial references also tend to come in better condition, because they are made more recently than earlier 5513 iterations.

Specifications

Materials

Rolex constructed the 5513's case, bracelet, and crown from 904L stainless steel. This provides a higher corrosion resistance than commonly used 316L steel, though it does have practical implications for a saltwater dive watch. The 904L steel also allowed Rolex to achieve the watch's 40mm diameter with a 47mm lug to lug measurement and 20mm lug width - proportions that will fit most wrists comfortably. The bracelet terminates into short, downturned lugs that wrap around the wrist snugly, unusual for a watch of this age.

The crystal was changed throughout production multiple times. Initial models featured acrylic crystals with flat profiles. Later models began using slightly domed acrylic crystals. Rolex did not offer sapphire crystals for the Submariner until after the 5513 was retired. Many owners prefer the warm aged look of acrylic. Replacement crystals can also be bought for less than $100 if needed. Yours will get scratched. The case back screws down securely and has the proper reference numbers as well as serial numbers engraved in it depending on the year of production.

Movement

The Rolex 5513 ran three different movements during its production run, all from the caliber 1500 family. Early references used caliber 1530, which beat at 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5Hz). Rolex upgraded to caliber 1520 in the early 1970s, increasing the beat rate to 19,800 vph (2.75Hz) for improved accuracy. The final movement was caliber 1530, which returned to the 18,000 vph beat rate but incorporated improvements from the 1520.

None of them were chronometer certified movements, unlike its brother model 5512. All three movements are automatic with bi-directional rotor winding and have roughly 42 hours power reserve. They are well built tried and true calibers that any good watchmaker should be able to service. Parts are readily available and you should expect to pay around $1,000 for service if parts need replacing. The lack of chronometer designation actually makes these movements easier on the wallet to service because there are less fussy COSC certified movements out there.

Bezel

The 5513 has a unidirectional rotating bezel with an aluminum insert marked in 60 minute increments. Original insert colors have varied by reference, and have faded over time to numerous shades of gray/blue or purple due to UV and aging factors. Black inserts on later references will usually remain darker. Vintage 5513 bezel action may feel different from modern Submariners due to loosened spring mechanisms from 50+ years of use.

Original bezel inserts made of aluminum are worth significant premiums on the collector market. Many 5513s have had their bezels replaced during their lifetime, and finding one with original insert intact can take persistence. Aluminum will scratch and fade over time. Some collectors love the faded look and patina that comes with this, others steer clear of it. A quality replacement bezel insert will run you between $500-$700 dollars. You can however spend thousands on original vintage inserts if they've faded to the eye of the buyer. The bezel clicks 120 times and feels wonderful when adjusting. The bezel locks securely for accurate dive timing.

Sizes

At 40mm in diameter, the Rolex 5513 hits that sweet spot for vintage watch proportions. The case sits about 13mm thick with the crystal, which is remarkably slim for a 200-meter dive watch. Those 47mm lug-to-lug dimensions mean the watch doesn't overhang most wrists, and the 20mm lug width creates good visual balance with the case size. Modern Submariners measure 41mm, so the 5513 wears only slightly smaller.

The 40mm diameter works particularly well for people with 6.5 to 7.5 inch wrists, but we've seen it look great on everything from 6 inch to 8 inch wrists. The relatively short lugs help the case conform to wrist curves rather than sitting flat like some modern dive watches. Vintage collectors often prefer these classic proportions over newer, larger references. There's something about a 40mm dive watch that just feels right, especially when paired with the no-date dial that doesn't crowd the face.

Water Resistance

The Rolex 5513 carries a 200-meter (660 feet) water resistance rating, which was serious capability when the watch launched in 1962. The twin-lock crown screws down firmly against the case tube, compressing gaskets that create the water seal. Early references used radium luminous material (later switched to tritium for safety), and all featured the "Submariner" designation that guaranteed dive watch performance.

Here's the reality about 200-meter ratings on vintage watches: you should have any 5513 pressure tested before taking it swimming or diving. Gaskets degrade over time, and most of these watches are 40-60 years old. A proper service includes replacing all gaskets and testing water resistance, which restores the watch to its original capabilities. That said, many 5513 owners wear their watches daily without issues, including getting them wet during normal activities. Just don't take an unserviced vintage Submariner diving unless you're comfortable with potential water damage. A full service might cost you $1,000 and includes gasket replacement and pressure testing.

Watch Bands

The Rolex 5513 originally came on riveted Oyster bracelets early in production, transitioning to folded link bracelets in the late 1960s, and finally to solid link Oyster bracelets in the 1980s. Early riveted bracelets used reference 7206 with 580 end links, while later folded link bracelets used reference 7836 with various end links depending on year. The final solid link bracelets featured reference 78360 with 580 end links, offering the most robust construction of any 5513 bracelet.

Original bracelets add significant value to a 5513, particularly early riveted versions that can be worth $2,000-$5,000 on their own. Many vintage 5513s come on later service bracelets or aftermarket straps since original bracelets wear out or get separated from watches over decades. The watch looks fantastic on NATO straps, leather, or modern Oyster bracelets from newer Submariners. The 20mm lug width gives you plenty of strap options if the watch doesn't include its original bracelet. We recommend keeping any original bracelet with a 5513 even if it's stretched, since originality matters more than condition in vintage Rolex collecting.

Expert Opinion

"The Rolex 5513 represents the purest expression of Submariner design without unnecessary complications. For collectors seeking vintage Rolex character with genuine wearability and strong investment potential, few references offer better value than a well-preserved 5513 with original components."

- Paul Altieri, Founder & CEO of Bob's Watches

Why Choose Bob's Watches

When you're buying a Rolex Submariner 5513, authenticity isn't optional. The vintage Rolex market can include frankenwatches with mixed parts, refinished dials, and incorrect components. At Bob's Watches, every 5513 goes through rigorous authentication by specialists who know exactly what original gilt text should look like, which crown guards match which production years, and how to spot a service dial from 20 feet away. We don't sell watches with questionable parts or undisclosed modifications.

Our inventory represents the best available 5513 references on the market right now. Whether you're after a rare meters first dial or a clean matte dial example for daily wear, we maintain relationships with collectors worldwide to source quality pieces. Every watch comes with our certification, detailed condition reports, and accurate descriptions of any service history or replaced components. We photograph our watches extensively so you know exactly what you're getting, and our customer service team actually knows these references inside and out.

Sell Your Pre-Owned Watch

Looking to sell Rolex watches? Bob's Watches offers the most straightforward process in the industry. We buy Rolex Submariner 5513 references in any condition, from pristine collectors' pieces to watches that need service. Our specialists provide accurate quotes based on current market conditions, originality, and condition. You'll get a firm offer within hours, and we handle all shipping with full insurance coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Rolex 5513 was produced from 1962 to 1989, making it one of the longest continuous production runs for any Submariner reference. You can determine specific production years by checking the serial number between the lugs at 6 o'clock, though Rolex didn't use consistent dating until later years.Rolex 5513 prices range from $12,000 for later matte dial examples to over $150,000 for rare meters first variants with original patina. Standard examples in good condition typically sell between $15,000 and $25,000 depending on dial type, originality, and service history.Meters first 5513 references were only produced for about one year in the mid-1960s, creating genuine scarcity. The "660ft = 200m" dial marking represents a transition period in Rolex production, and collectors value these brief variations highly.The Rolex 5513 used three different movements during production: caliber 1530 (early and late production), and caliber 1520 (mid-production). All three are non-chronometer versions from Rolex's caliber 1500 family, offering reliable automatic timekeeping with 42-hour power reserves.