Rolex
Submariner Non Date Gilt Gloss Stainless Steel 5513

Our Opinion

First created in 1953 and launched at the 1954 Basel exhibition, the Rolex Submariner is the most iconic of all dive watches. Since then, the Submariner has become the ‘tool’ watch to which all others have subsequently been judged. It owes much of its initial commercial success to being featured in numerous Bond films including Live and Let Die, where Bond used a specially magnetised Sub to effortlessly undo the zip on the dress of Miss Caruso. To this day, the Submariner is a consistent top seller for Rolex, however it is vintage Subs which ignite collectors’ passions the most.

This is a excellent example of a Stainless Steel ‘Meters First’ gilt gloss dial reference 5513, first purchased on 2nd Sept 1967, only a year after the serial number dates the watch from the original production date. The 40mm case is in first-rate condition with highly polished sides and crown guard and brushed steel lugs. Very light scratches are evident on the unidirectional 60-minute black bezel with the surround to the ‘pearl’ at 12 o’clock showing wear commensurate with its age.

The folded Oyster bracelet (Ref. 7836) is also in good condition, with only light surface scratches, mainly around the clasp. Underneath the solid case-back is the Caliber 1530 automatic movement reliably beating at 18000 BPH.

Underneath the Plexiglass crystal, the sought after ‘Meters First’ matte black dial is in good order with re-touched lume to the hour markers. Beneath the 6 o’clock marker, the Swiss T<25 marking runs across 5 tick marks, often seen as a verification of the dial’s originality. This Sub is sporting service replacement hands which are also in good order. The distinctive ‘Mercedes’ hand, minute hand and ‘lollipop’ second hands all enjoying a bright steel finish and full lume.

In addition to being a striking day watch fit for any occasion, the Submariner is first and foremost a ‘tool’ watch. The omission of a date window coupled with bold but elegant hands and substantial hour markers brings purity to the dial estate and maximises legibility.

Like Commander Bond himself, this watch is always ready for new adventures.