Why This Watch Matters Often imitated, never duplicated – the Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 is one of the most recognizable wristwatches ever created. This example features an especially great vintage look. The Full Story Introduced to the Rolex catalog in 1962, the ref. 5513 Submariner was in continuous production until 1989, which makes it one of the most recognizable Submariners in the eyes of vintage collectors as well as one of the longest running Rolex references in the brand's history. This reference in particular is often duplicated or taken as inspiration for other dive watches; the ref. 5513 Submariner is so iconic that its basic shape and dial design would come to be necessities for dive watches in general. Initially produced with a glossy or "gilt" dial, the ref. 5513 switched to a matte dial finish in the late 1960s, somewhere around 1966. During the matte dial years is when the model really took off and became what it is today, making this iteration all the more iconic. Due to the long production run of the matte dial ref. 5513, collectors have keyed in on specific dial printing details to pin down variants within the broader reference. The example we have here features what's known as a "pre-COMEX dial." On watches with case serial numbers in the five million range, such as ours, the dial printing features many of the same characteristics as some ref. 5514 COMEX Submariner dials. The "pre-COMEX" ref. 5513 and the ref. 5514 can share the same coronet (described as somewhat smudgy and fat), the same "L" in "ROLEX" with heavy serifs on the top portion, and a "=" sign that's aligned slightly left of the "A" in "SUBMARINER" below it. The combination of these particular characteristics are specific to this range of Submariners. To read more about this specific type of dial, click here. More than the "pre-COMEX" dial details, in the metal and on the wrist, this is one of our favorite vintage Submariners that we've offered in quite some time. The patina to the lume and bezel surface are a friendly reminder of what makes these watches just so good. On the lume throughout, an even, pleasing, and beautiful patina has developed, turning the hands, hour markers, and bezel pip an off-white or light custard tone. For the bezel surface itself, time has faded the metal insert to a beautiful grey color that works so well with the matte black dial and lume patina. These aspects create a look that's almost unique to vintage Submariners. In addition to the Rolex Rivet Oyster bracelet, we paired the watch with our Light Grey Suede Strap. The tone of the strap as well as the deep suede texture match the patina on the watch for a look that will age nicely. The Fine Print Maker: RolexModel: SubmarinerReference: 5513 Year: 1978 Case No: 5094288Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 39mm diameter; 14mm thicknessCrystal: Acrylic TrueDome D19 Lume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 1520Bracelet/Strap: Rolex, stainless steel, Oyster rivet C&I dated 1978 and HODINKEE Light Grey Suede Watch StrapLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Submariner is in overall great, attractive condition. The case is strong with scratches, some nicks, and appears to have been lightly polished. The caseback has some light marks. The numbers between both sets of lugs are clearly visible. The reverse side of the lugs have some scratches from the bracelet being removed. The dial is clean with a light patina and one mark near five o'clock that's difficult to see. The lume on the dial has aged to an attractive light yellow color. A couple lume plots (at four and five o'clock) have developed small areas of darker patina. The hands have developed light patina and have lume that matches the dial. The bezel insert is in good condition, has faded to a nice grey tone, and has some light scratches. The bezel ring is in overall good condition with some scratches. The lume pip at 12 o'clock has developed patina. The crown shows some wear. The crystal is a later TrueDome D19 replacement, which is nearly identical to the original T19 SuperDome Rolex crystal. The Rolex Oyster rivet bracelet is in great condition with light scratches and is dated to 1978, corresponding to and matching the serial number on the case. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
