The Rolex Submariner is one of the most recognizable and popular watches in the world, and like most Rolexes, needs no introduction. The Ref. 5513 is a perennial favorite amongst vintage collectors and known as the reference to collect due to its relatively accessible price point and variants in dial production.
This particular example you see here today is what collectors call a ‘meters first’ dial as it represents the first batch of matte dial 5513 Submariners and uniquely began the depth rating with meters rather than the later examples which began with feet.
The beauty of the 5513s not only lies in its many variants but also because they had a relatively long production run and all aged differently. No two 5513s are the same, despite being from the same time period. For instance, the example you see here has aged to produce a really rugged look, with a ghosted blue bezel and a nicely faded grey-black matte dial.
All in all, with its black aluminum rotatable bezel, thick beveled stainless steel Oyster case, matte black dial and Oyster bracelet, the Ref. 5513 is without a doubt, one of the most attractive dive watches of all time. For every vintage watch collector, this reference is a must.
