29/05/2026
The Rolex Submariner reference 5513 was introduced as a more accessible alternative to its chronometer-rated sibling, the reference 5512, which debuted in 1959.
Designed as a pure tool watch, the 5513 went on to enjoy an exceptionally long production run of nearly three decades. Throughout this period, it evolved through a wide range of dial and hand variations — a detail that continues to make it especially appealing to collectors today.
One of the defining characteristics of the 5513 is its clean, balanced dial layout. Unlike the 5512, which typically features four lines of text at 6 ‘clock, the 5513 is most often seen with just two: “Submariner” and the depth rating. This simpler configuration creates a more open, symmetrical aesthetic that perfectly reflects the watch’s utilitarian design philosophy.
Presented here is a particularly attractive early example, a so-called “Meters First” version. This designation refers to the depth rating reading in meters before feet (200m = 660ft). These dials represent the first matte executions of the 5513, produced during the transition away from the earlier glossy “gilt” dials around 1966-1967. The
“Meters First” configuration was only produced for a short window, approximately 1967-1969, before Rolex switched to “Feet First” dials to better align with the American market — making these early variants notably more sought after.
#5513
