THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 5513
YEAR: 1970
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

When talking about a “vintage Rolex,” the Submariner 5513 is often the first watch that comes to mind. With a 27-year production run, the model evolved from pointed crown guards and beautiful gilt dials to glossy dials with white-gold–surround tritium markers by 1988–89. This vast range of variations and incremental changes has made the 5513 one of the earliest—and most beloved—models for enthusiasts to collect, study, and catalogue.

The present example dates to 1970 and features a matte “non-serif” dial. The tritium lume on the markers and hands has aged to a lovely creamy tone, and the matte dial itself is flawless. The case has been polished in the past, but only very lightly; the lugs and crown guards remain strong and well defined. The fat-font Mk4 bezel insert has retained its original deep black colour.

The watch comes on its original 9315/280 folded-link bracelet, complete with the original clasp and diver’s extension. The movement arrived in excellent health and is running at 0 s/day, with an amplitude of 294° and zero beat error.

It’s hard to beat an honest 5513. For reasons unbeknownst to us, they can still be had for fantastic prices at the moment. This is a particularly handsome example—and the quintessential vintage Rolex.