THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 5513
YEAR: 1984
BOX/PAPERS: YES/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The 5513 reference of the Submariner is arguably the most iconic of all. It also offers the greatest variety within the model across its 25-year production run. Introduced in 1963 with pointed crown guard cases and charming gilt dials and hands, the reference evolved through to 1988/89, when it featured glossy dials with white gold–surrounded tritium markers.

Gilt-dial 5513s were produced for only a few short years before matte dials were introduced around 1967. In the early 1970s, Rolex made another notable change, switching the primary depth measurement from meters to feet. This adjustment was likely driven by Rolex’s growing market share in the United States, where imperial measurements are standard.

In the 1980s, Rolex entered a new era with the introduction of new movements, sapphire crystals, and updated case designs, led by “transitional” models such as the GMT-Master II 16760, the Sea-Dweller 16660, and the Explorer II 16550. However, the Submariner line quietly waited a few more years before the ref. 14060 replaced the 5513.

The present example dates to 1984, a time when several five-digit Rolex models were already in production. The watch features a beautiful gloss dial with white gold surrounds. The case has been polished previously but remains strong. The lume on the markers and hands has aged to an even, creamy hue. The bracelet shows minimal stretch, with the clasp being a Rolex service replacement from 1999.

The watch comes with its original boxes and booklets. The movement runs beautifully at +3 seconds per day, with an amplitude of 275 and a beat error of 0.2 ms. For many, these gloss 5513s mark the end of the true “vintage Rolex” era. They are beautiful on the wrist and still underappreciated.