While we love all vintage Submariners, there is one truly iconic vintage Sub to us: the ref. 5513. With its timeless toolwatch aesthetics, robust design and impressive 27-year production run; it’s a bonafide Rolex legend.

This 5513 dates back to March 20th 1968, as confirmed on the papers signed by the oldest Rolex retailer in The Netherlands; Heetman in Rotterdam which is sadly no longer in business. The watch features a ‘meters first’ dial, which refers to the depth rating that states the meters first followed by the equivalent in feet (“200m = 660ft”). In the second half of the 1960s, Rolex switched to printing the feet before the meters to satisfy the growing American customer base. As a result, these ‘meters first’ dials are coveted among collectors.

The original aluminium bezel inlay has turned to a very nice blue color that matches well with the grained matte black dial. The dial features the Submariner’s iconic painted tritium markers in a pleasing eggshell color, which do not light up anymore after being exposed to light due to the use of a tritium/zinc sulfate compound, the markers and hands. Unlike later Submariners (or its sister references, the 5512 and 1680), the 5513 features only two lines of text at the top half and two lines the lower half of the dial. This gives the 5513 a wonderful clean and understated look. Not too much, not too little: just the perfect balance for a toolwatch. The 40 mm stainless steel case is in a great condition with thick lugs and is accompanied by a, period correct, stainless steel riveted Oyster bracelet. All in all this watch is a great 'bang for your buck' and comes with all accessories and box and papers.