Rolex Submariner 5513 Box and Papers Like New

Introduction

Debuting in 1953 and released to the public the following year, the Rolex Submariner has undoubtedly become one of the most iconic timepieces of all time thanks to its legendary status as Rolex’s flagship dive watch. Used extensively by the British Royal Navy and professional diving operations like COMEX, the Submariner set the bar for all dive watches to follow. Featuring a genuinely timeless design that has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history, the Rolex has become the archetypal sports watch. With very few large-scale aesthetic upgrades made to it over the years except for timely advancements like introducing a date function to the collection in the late ’60s, and its modern cerachrom bezels, the Submariner is seen as the prototypical dive watch thanks to its consistency. The Submariner has earned its status as a legendary watch, with it today remaining as one of the most sought-after timepieces around.

The 5513 was produced from 1962 to 1988, and was the non-chronometer version of the non-date Submariner. There were a multitude of dial variants made over those 26 years, ranging from gilt chapter ring dials in the beginning to matte dials, then ultimately the glossy dials with white gold luminous surrounds. This particular example was gifted as the 1st place prize at the 1977 American Power Boat Association Championships Summer Nationals and appears to never have been worn since. The condition is simply remarkable.

The Dial

With its well-preserved black dial, this example’s beautifully aged tritium hands and hour markers stand out against their dark backdrop with a creamy shade of light yellow.

The Construction

Iconic in its styling and design, the Submariner 5513’s beautiful stainless steel construction fits the wrist perfectly and with a certain aura of familiarity given the Submariner collection’s relatively unchanged design since the ref. 5513 was discontinued in 1988.

Condition

Watch is in like new, time capsule condition, having been put away since it was awarded in 1977. Razor sharp factory chamfers and thick lugs with only slight signs of handling. The original domed crystal has a few light scratches. The dial is in perfect condition with creamy luminous and tritium hands that match the dial with slight oxidation. The caseback has an engraving as shown, commemorating 1st place at the 1977 Summer Nationals for the APBA. There is slight wear on the back of lugs where bracelet has been removed. Watch comes on a riveted band with 12 links and a clasp dated 1976. It shows no stretch.