An automatic, stainless steel, Rolex Submariner "No Date" model. This watch could be considered the most iconic, and certainly the most recognizable watch in the Rolex stable. Since its inception into the Rolex line up in 1953 this watch has been worn and loved by deep sea divers, members of the military, movie stars and today's watch collectors. This version marked a fairly important evolution in the continuation of the history of perhaps the world's most recognizable watch.

This 5513 reference is part of the evolution into a more 'affordable' Rolex Submariner. It was introduced circa 1962 and remained in the line, fairly unchanged, until 1989. A very long lifespan for any Rolex reference.  It came off the back of the introduction of the 5512 in 1959.   The big change from introducing the 5513 came with the movement.  On the dial of the 5512 was the text "Superlative Chronometer" at the six o'clock position. This meant a more accurate and higher grade movement beneath the dial, but the watches are the same otherwise.  As a result of which there significantly more 5513's than '12's, with over five times the number currently on the market.  However, this rather special refernce has gained a sizable fan club, with us uncluded!  Perhaps the main reason for this is the very simple appearance to the dial with only the two lines of text, mossing out on the "SC" earlier dials, and the "COSC" later dials.

There are three main groups that the 5513's fall into: The earliest are the 'gilt' dials from 1962 to around 1967.  The 'matte' dials, such as this example from 1967 to around 1984, and finally the 'glossy dials' to round out the series from around 1984 to 1989.  There are some exceptionally well written articles that delve in very deeply to all of the variations and nuances if further studying is desired.  For the purposes of this write up, we will stick to watch at hand.

This is an example of a matte, feet first late non-serif dial.  The production run of the Serif Dials ran subsequent to the Non Serif Dials and are commonly seen in cases stamped with serial numbers beginning in the early/mid 2.0 million range up until about 1973, which is where this falls.  There is also clearly a serif on the center "E" of Rolex. One can also see a difference between the two dials like the shape of the coronet and the alignment of the letter “P” in “PERPETUAL” underneath the letter “L” in “ROLEX” above it. The NON SERIF DIAL having the “P” in “PERPETUAL” shifted to the left. 

This dial is marked "Swiss - T < 25", meaning that this dial has appliedTritium luminous material. This material replaced the highly dangerous, and radioactive Radium in 1963, and then was replaced by Luminova circa 1999. Just like radium, tritium was also radioactive; however, it came with a much lower level of radiation and a much shorter half-life. While tritium was exponentially safer than radium, it only had a half-life of twelve years. This meant that after just a few decades, only a tiny fraction of the initial luminescence would remain. Additionally, as tritium ages, the color changes, which creates often beautiful, and highly sought after patinas on the luminous markers on these older Rolex watches. Tritium was far from perfect, which lead Rolex to search for a better alternative. However, in collecting vintage watches with luminous material applied, Tritium is most desirable.

The watch is powered by a Rolex, Swiss made, thirty one jewel automatic calibre 1520 movement that powered the majority of all no-date Rolex models since its launch in 1963, from the Oyster Perpetual (OP) and Air King models, through to the Submariner.  Its sibling, the 1525, handled all of the date models. Rolex phased out the more costly 1530 and replaced it with this, less advanced, caliber 1520. It was centered on the same architecture as the Cal. 1530, and shared an identical base plate. However, it had several key differences, many of which were designed to keep its manufacturing costs to a minimum.

Rolex only produced it with a stick regulator, rather than with the Microstella system that had found its way onto the departing 1530 by the end of its run. The Breguet overcoil of the majority of Rolex’s output was substituted for a traditional flat hairspring, and it was originally released as a 17-jewel movement, although 25 and 26-jewel versions joined the range later in the production cycle.

Even though this movement was made to not cohere to the COSC standards, the Caliber 1520 was still an impressive performer. With the full weight of the company’s engineering legacy behind it, it provided the brand’s ‘Precision’ models with a beautifully built and highly accurate engine. Its increased frequency, 19,800bph up from the previous 18,000bph, gave it an extra boost in both timekeeping ability and resilience to shocks.

The case is as you would expect to find with a tool watch now over fifty years old, with slight scratches and signs of wear. It has been polished, which is very common with watches from this period, however not heavily with all lines and chamfers . The bezel insert is correct and original to the watch. The pip set in the arrow at the sixty minute mark is original and present. The bracelet is a later replacement It is a 93150 with 580 end links. It is also presented lightly polished and is original to the watch, with diver extension, and two removable links.

This is a superb and very honest watch, for someone looking for a collectible 'vintage' Submariner. Even the original crystal is preent that has been left in a "barn find" look. Many people over the years have sought the clean lines of the no-date submariner, with icons such as Steve McQueen choosing to make it one of his go to watches, and it is easy to see why. The two line version is by far the best looking, and with the Tritium luminous material, it is an icon that is only going to get better with age.The dial is perfect, a strong case, and very tight bracelet making this a great example to own and enjoy.