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Thorough Breakdown of Rolex Submariner Ref.5513! Introducing all the rare pieces throughout history!
By KAWANO · MARCH 9, 2020
Rolex was called the king of watches.
When you think of diver's watches, it is none other than Rolex’s Submariner.
This time, we focus on the long-selling Submariner, Ref. 5513.
We will also introduce the rare pieces of the past!
About Rolex Submariner
First, let's review the Rolex Submariner once again.
The first model of the Rolex Submariner was an authentic diver's watch released in 1953.
That year was also the launch of Blancpain's diver's watch, Fifty Fathoms, leading it to be called the birth year of diving watches.
Almost 70 years since its birth, the Submariner has become so popular that it can be called Rolex's flagship model.
The Submariner has a long history and has undergone numerous minor changes.
Not to mention the popularity of the current model, antique models with high rarity are also very popular due to the delicate design differences of each era.
What is Rolex Submariner Ref.5513?
Rolex Submariner Ref.5513 that appeared 10 years after the turning point of Rolex Submariner (various statements such as 1964).
The Ref. 5513 was sold together with the Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680, which was born in 1965 and had a date display, as a so-called "non-date" (without a date) model. It was an unusual long-selling model that had been manufactured for nearly 30 years from bit’s birth right until the end of its production in 1989.
Following the evolution of Ref. 5513 with a focus on the mounted movement, the original Cal.1530 was changed to Cal.1520.
Cal.1530 was a pioneer equipped with a bi-directional automatic winding mechanism, a Cal.1030 movement that was improved for divers, but replaced by Cal.1520 with an improved frequency of 19,800 the following year.
Cal.1520 became a reliable movement that continued to be installed until Ref.5513 was discontinued (with the addition of a hack mechanism in the 1970s).
In 1989, the Rolex Submariner Ref.5513 was discontinued when the next model Rolex Submariner Ref.14060 equipped with the Cal.3000 movement, the latest movement of the time, which boasted 28,800 vibrations per hour, was launched.
Circulation of the watch in the market was abundant thanks to this long-selling model, but models with excellent conditions were declining year by year.
The mirror (gilt) dial, which was an early model, was circulated at a premium price.
In addition, the Ref. 5513 was sold together with the Ref. 1680, but at the same time, the Ref. 5512, equipped with a higher model chronometer movement, was also sold together (discontinued in 1977).
Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512
Ref.5512 was released in advance as a higher-standard model of Ref.5513. It was the first model in the history of Rolex Submariners with a crown guard. There were various rumors because the first edition did not have a chronometer at first, however the chronometer movement was installed with the advent of the Ref.5513.
It can be said that it is a rare model with a very small number of circulations in the market compared to the Ref.5513.
The major change in design of the Ref. 5512 is that it has both practicality and modernity due to the design of the crown guard.
There are three kinds of bracelets, it’s evolution process beingr rivet bracelet → winding bracelet → hard bracelet.
Pick up rare model of Rolex Submariner Ref.5513
Rolex Submariner Ref.5513, a long-selling model of nearly 30 years.
As with other Rolex sports models, minor changes have been made to the specifications.
Since Rolex did not announce any minor changes, the differences were discovered by hardcore Rolex fans and have been recognized as rare models.
Here we will introduce the rare model that is the Ref. 5513.
Rolex Submariner 5513 Mirror Dial “Meter First”
A mirror dial (gilt) dial found in the early model of Ref.5513 featuring a glossy dial.
There are many other Rolex sports models with similar finishes, which are also with high price in the market.
Also, the waterproof notation at 6 o'clock is usually called "meter first" in the order of meter, feet (ft).
Rolex Submariner 5513 Submariner under (feet first)
The so-called "Submariner under (feet first) " appeared around 1967.
The dial has a matte finish, and the waterproof notation at 6 o'clock is also in the order of feet (feet first) and meters.
The notation of "SUBMARINER" has not changed.
Rolex Submariner 5513 Maxi Dial
The so-called "maxi dial" is said to have appeared in the late 1970s.
It is characterized by a large dot index.
The notation of waterproof at 6 o'clock and the notation of “SUBMARINER” are upside down.
Rolex Submariner 5513 Lollipop
The dial is called "Lollipop" because the dots are in contact with the minute index, making it look like a candy.
Rolex Submariner 5513 Edged Index
The dial is called "Lollipop" because the dots are in contact with the minute index, making it look like a candy.
Rolex Submariner 5513 Edged Index
The so-called "edge index" appeared around 1985.
The dot index has a high-class feel with a metal edge. The appearance has changed a lot, and it is often classified as a late model due to this.
From the appearance which is almost the same as the next model Ref.14060, the price increase has not been seen much at present.
Rolex Submariner 5513 Spider
The spider dial is a rare model found in Ref. 5513, a late-stage index with edge.
The whole dial has cracks like a spider web.
Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 16660, etc., is a Rolex sports model produced during that era so the aging of dial is evidently seen, thus how buyers perceive it is highly based on their preferences.
Conclusion
So what do you?
This time, we focused on Rolex's long-selling model, the Submariner Ref. 5513, and introduced its original piece to many other rare models.
At Jackroad, we handle many valuable antique models besides the models above.
Why not take this opportunity to pick out what suits you?