Vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 Review

The Rolex Submariner has been a classic collector favorite since its 1953 debut. While the model has evolved with new technology, the stainless steel version with a black dial and black bezel remains the most recognizable design.

For vintage Rolex lovers, adding a Submariner 5513 to your collection is likely near the top of your wish list.

In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the Rolex Submariner 5513 before you buy, including common and rare variations, plus what you can expect to pay.

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The Birth of Rolex Submariner 5513

The Rolex Submariner 5513 was produced from 1962 to 1989. It is similar to its predecessor, the 5512, and remains an automatic, self-winding dive watch. Compared to the 5512, it is technically less advanced, using a non-COSC caliber.

The 5513 is loved by Rolex collectors. Many fans appreciate that it lacks the “Chronometer Superlative Officially Certified” text above 6 o’clock, and are still happy with the watch’s accuracy. This is why, unlike the 5512, it is typically a 2-line dial rather than a 4-line.

Purists also love the minimal design, no date window, and simple dial. It is an effortless tool watch that still serves as a great conversation starter among collectors.

The 5513 has one of the longest production runs in Rolex history, spanning nearly three decades.

For collectors, that long run makes the Rolex Submariner 5513 a blueprint reference that reflects Rolex’s legacy and long-term commitment to watchmaking excellence.

Rolex Submariner 5513 vs 5512

The Rolex Submariner 5512 and 5513 are virtually identical in appearance, but differ mainly in movements and certification.

The 5512 was introduced in 1959 as Rolex’s first Submariner with crown guards. It became a chronometer-certified model in 1962, using caliber 1560 or 1570, and has a dial that reads “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” under the depth rating.

Aside from movement differences, both models feature a 40 mm steel case, acrylic crystal, and black aluminum bezel.

The 5512 and 5513 overlapped in production, with the 5512 discontinued in 1978, 12 years after the 5513 debuted. Because the 5512 had a long production run, it also evolved over time and has several variations.

Some early 5512s have rare “square” or pointed crown guards, while early 5513s used pointed guards and later transitioned to rounded guards. Both references started with glossy gilt dials before switching to matte white-print dials around 1967. Both models also switched from “meters first” (200m = 660ft) to “feet first” (660ft = 200m) depth markings in 1969.

In practice, a 5512 is usually worth more than a comparable 5513 due to its chronometer rating and the presence of rarer variants, with the average market value often around $6,000 higher than a similar 5513.

Rolex 5513 Case Design

The 5513 case is a 40 mm stainless steel design built to be ergonomic, robust, and water resistant. Crafted from 904L stainless steel, it uses Rolex’s corrosion-resistant alloy to help protect against salt-water exposure. As a dive watch, it is water resistant to 660 feet.

Case thickness evolved slightly over time, ranging roughly from 13 mm to 14.5 mm depending on production era. Even so, its proportions remain classic and comfortable. The crown screws down into a threaded tube to protect the movement from moisture and dust. It uses sealed gaskets (with later service crowns sometimes using Triplock-style sealing) to maintain the depth rating. Early models featured pointed crown guards before Rolex transitioned to the more familiar rounded profile seen on later Submariners.

The caseback also screws down tightly, helping block water ingress and adding another layer of protection.

Together, these features make the 5513 genuinely capable underwater, not just styled for it.

Rolex Submariner 5513 Different Dials

Because the Submariner 5513 was produced for nearly 30 years, there are many variations on the market. As the production run continued, Rolex made small tweaks and refinements to the 5513 design.

This is great for collectors, since you can choose the configuration that fits your taste, from dial to bracelet.

It can also be confusing for newer buyers, since different variants can have drastically different market values. Knowing what you are looking at is key before you buy.

Dial Variations

Rolex produced multiple dials for the 5513, but four are most commonly encountered.

The first is the “Gilt” dial, produced into the 1960s, with a glossy black finish and gold-colored text. It is highly desirable, with market values often ranging from about $15,000 to $40,000 depending on condition and originality.

Next is the matte black “Meters First” dial (around 1967 to 1969). It is recognizable because “200m = 660ft” is printed above “Submariner.” Market values are often cited around $16,000 to $20,000 depending on condition.

Then comes the “Feet First” dial, produced from 1969 into the early 1980s. It flips the order to “660ft = 200m” above “Submariner.” Because it is one of the more common versions, values often average from about $10,500 to $18,000 depending on condition.

The last major variation is the Maxi dial, produced in the 1980s through the model’s discontinuation. It is known for larger lume plots and broader hands. Often seen as a more “modern vintage” option, it commonly ranges from about $15,000 to $22,000 depending on condition.

Rare Rolex 5513 Models

Some 5513 variants are extremely rare and are most often seen at auction.

A small number of early 1960s Submariner 5513s were fitted with “Explorer” dials. These resemble Explorer 3-6-9 layouts and are characterized by Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9. An original example can command a market value around $150,000 depending on condition and provenance.

Rolex 5513 Underline Dials

Underline dials can be found on early gilt and Explorer dials, identified by a small horizontal line printed beneath “Submariner” or “Oyster Perpetual.” Rolex used this only briefly, widely associated with a transition in luminous material (commonly discussed as a shift away from radium toward tritium), although Rolex did not publicly document it. (Note: your draft says 1963 to 1934, which is a typo, it should be 1963 to 1964.)

Underline gilt examples often range from about $20,000 to $35,000, while underline Explorer dials can range from $35,000 to over $100,000 depending on correctness and condition.

A particularly rare “Double Swiss Underline” variation features the underline plus a distinctive “Swiss only” style marking. These are extremely scarce, with market values often cited around $25,000 to $35,000 depending on condition and originality.

Rolex 5513 Bart Simpson Dial

“Bart Simpson” dial variations are known for a coronet misprint on certain gilt dials that makes the crown appear flatter and spikier. These are most often associated with examples from around 1966 before the printing was corrected. Because misprints are rare, they can carry a significant premium, with some examples reaching up to about $45,000 depending on condition and originality.

Rolex 5513 “COMEX”

From the 1970s through 1997, Rolex partnered with French commercial diving pioneer COMEX to develop ultra-deep-submergence watches. As part of this partnership, roughly from 1970 to 1972, Rolex modified the 5513 by adding a helium escape valve at 9 o’clock.

These were produced for COMEX divers and were never made available to the public.

The COMEX 5513 is distinct. Along with the helium escape valve, “COMEX” is printed above the depth rating, and casebacks were stamped “ROLEX COMEX #.”

Some pre-COMEX prototype style models have been seen that lack the “COMEX” logo but include the other COMEX traits, most notably the helium escape valve.

These watches are rare and highly sought-after. A COMEX 5513 often starts around $30,000 and can move well into six figures depending on provenance and configuration. Pre-COMEX examples are often cited around $25,000 to over $50,000.

Rolex 5513 MilSubs

Military 5513 models (MilSubs) were produced in small numbers for military use and are among the rarest vintage Rolex dive watches. Many are associated with the British Royal Navy in the 1970s. They feature unique elements not found on civilian 5513s, including sword hands, fully graduated 60-minute bezels, and special caseback engravings. Because of rarity and historical significance, values can range from about $100,000 to over $250,000 depending on specification and provenance.

Rolex 5513 Bracelet Variations

The Rolex Submariner is most often paired with a stainless steel Oyster bracelet, and the 5513 is no exception. There are three common bracelet eras to know.

Early 1960s examples often used the riveted bracelet (ref. 7206). It is lightweight and flexible, with hollow links and visible side rivets. It is comfortable, but can be more prone to stretch and wear over time.

From the late 1960s through the late 1970s, Rolex switched to folded-link bracelets such as the 9315. They are sturdier than the riveted style while still using hollow links, and they are known for a noticeable taper from case to clasp.

From the 1980s onward, Rolex moved toward bracelets such as the 93150, which feel more robust, with a stronger clasp. On a vintage Submariner, this bracelet tends to feel closest to a contemporary Rolex sports model bracelet.

Is a Rolex 5513 Worth Buying?

The Rolex 5513 has a rich history, with decades of production and an enduring fan base. For collectors looking to add a vintage no-date Submariner, the 5513 can be an excellent choice.

It is durable enough for everyday wear, self-winding, and comfortable on the wrist. Vintage Submariners continue to be worn by enthusiasts and celebrities alike, including Terrace Martin and Scott Disick, as highlighted by Robertino Altieri in “My Collection!”

Some variants are so rare they are usually only seen at auction, but even standard configurations can be a highly satisfying, iconic addition to a collection.