Rolex
Rolex Submariner — Ref. 5513
Rolex Submariner — Ref. 5513
Complete Guide & Authentication Service
The Rolex Submariner 5513 (1962–1989) is a cornerstone of vintage Rolex collecting: 40 mm stainless steel case, no‑date layout, plexiglass crystal, and a long evolution of gilt, matte and maxi dials. Below you’ll find a deep guide with authentication checklist, serial windows, dial/insert/bracelet variants and common red flags — plus a quick way to order your preliminary certificate with QR verification.
24h
Delivery
€39
Starting Price
QR
Verification
Independent
Service
Model Overview
Why the Submariner 5513 Matters
Produced for nearly three decades, the 5513 is the longest‑running Submariner reference. It evolved from early gilt/gloss dials with chapter ring (1962–1964) to matte “Meters First” (1967–1969), then “Feet First” (1970s), and finally Maxi dials (late ’70s–’80s). Oyster bracelets progressed from riveted 7206 to folded 9315 and solid 93150. Authenticity hinges on coherency across case, dial, insert, hands and bracelet codes.</p]
40 mm
Stainless steel Oyster; pointed → rounded crown guards evolution.
Cal. 1520 / 1530
Non‑chronometer workhorse; bridges/finish must match the period.
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Oyster Bracelet
7206/9315/93150 with correct end links (e.g., 80, 280, 580) and clasp codes.
Simple Process
Authenticate Your 5513 in 3 Steps
We combine AI flagging with expert review to deliver a fast, reliable preliminary certificate built for real transactions.
1. Upload
Send clear photos of dial, lugs/serial area, caseback (inside if available), movement, insert, bezel teeth, bracelet/clasp.
2. Review
We check serial window, dial type (gilt/matte/maxi), insert font generation, crown guards, movement bridges and bracelet codes.
3. Certificate
Receive a PDF with ID + QR that buyers can verify on our site — perfect for listings and negotiations.
Deep Dive
Authentication Checklist — Submariner 5513
Use this structured checklist before buying or when preparing a listing. Coherency is king.
Case & Bezel
- 40 mm steel Oyster; early PCG/Cornino (1962–64) → later rounded guards.
- Sharp lug chamfers; avoid over‑polished cases with rounded shoulders.
- Inner caseback stamped 5513 with date codes; outer caseback plain.
- Bezel: correct bidirectional assembly; insert generation must match era.
- Fat‑font vs thin‑font insert; correct triangle/pearl style for generation.
Movement
- Cal. 1530 (early) and Cal. 1520 (later) non‑chronometer.
- Bridge engravings, regulator type and finish match production window.
- Rotor style/wear pattern; screw types; plating and bevels consistent.
- Service marks inside caseback — note frequency and quality.
Dial & Hands
- Gilt/Gloss (1962–66, often chapter ring) → Matte (1967+) → Maxi (late ’70s/’80s).
- “Meters First” (200m = 660ft) → later “Feet First”.
- Tritium “SWISS ‑ T < 25” period correct; plot shape/height consistent.
- Mercedes hands style, length and lume tone should match dial age.
- Avoid misaligned coronet, wrong serif weights, re‑lacquer “too new”.
Bracelet & Clasp
- 7206 riveted (early), 9315 folded (’70s), 93150 solid (late).
- End links: 80 / 280 / 580 etc. per era; fit and chamfer look right.
- Clasp codes date the bracelet; over‑stamped or mismatched codes = risk.
- Measure stretch and check for later service bracelets on early cases (disclose).
Pro Tip: many superb 5513s have service parts (crystal, crown, hands). That’s fine if coherent and disclosed. Our certificate documents each deviation and its value impact.
Dating the Watch
Indicative Serial Windows (’60s–’80s)
Ranges overlap; always cross‑check with caseback stamps, dial type and bracelet/clasp codes.
| Serial Range | Approx. Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ~760,000 – 999,xxx | 1962–1963 | Early gilt; pointed crown guards possible |
| 1.0M – 1.4M | 1964–1966 | Gilt/gloss; chapter ring transitions |
| 1.6M – 2.1M | 1967–1969 | Matte “Meters First”; early thin‑font inserts |
| 2.2M – 3.9M | 1970–1975 | “Feet First”; folded 9315 bracelets common |
| 4.0M – 5.9M | 1976–1979 | Late matte; start of Maxi dial generations |
| 6.0M – 9M+ | 1980s | Maxi dials; 93150 bracelets; service parts more frequent |
We refine dating by overlaying dial generation, insert font, bracelet/clasp code and inner caseback.
Dial Generations
Gilt/Gloss (’62–’66): glossy lacquer, gilt printing, often chapter ring; minute track and coronet shape are crucial tells. Matte “Meters First” (’67–’69): painted plots, 200m = 660ft order; serif styles vary by batch. “Feet First” (’70s): depth rating switches to 660ft = 200m; fonts evolve. Maxi dials (late ’70s–’80s): larger plots (Mark I–V families) and bolder appearance. We check alignment, serif weights, spacing of “Submariner” line, and tritium signature (“SWISS ‑ T < 25”).
Bracelets & End Links
7206 riveted (early, expandable links), 9315 folded (1970s, lighter feel), 93150 solid (late, robust). End links evolve (e.g., 80/280/580); clasp codes date the bracelet. Excessive stretch, mismatched end links or over‑polished coronets reduce collectability. We document these precisely in your certificate.
Insert Variants & Value Impact
Original aluminum inserts are a major value driver. Fat‑font early types (wider numerals), later thin‑font families, positioning of the minute markers, triangle shape and pearl type all matter. Faded “ghost” gray can be desirable if period‑correct; however, freshly relumed pearls or modern aftermarket prints are red flags. We compare font geometry and aging patterns against period‑correct baselines.
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Risks
Common 5513 Red Flags
Aftermarket Dials
Incorrect fonts/serifs, misaligned minute track, lacquer too fresh relative to case wear.
Relumed or Repaired Lume
Uneven texture, glowing behavior, color mismatch vs. hands; plots too domed or chalky.
Wrong Insert Generation
Modern thin‑font on early gilt example; off‑period pearl; incorrect triangle geometry.
Movement Mismatch
Caliber/bridge engravings not matching era; missing or altered markings.
Over‑Polished Case
Rounded lug facets, shallow crown guards; serial/lug corrosion or re‑engraving.
Bracelet Incoherency
End links/clasp codes outside the serial window; excessive stretch; aftermarket parts.
Choose Your Speed
Submariner 5513 Authentication Packages
All packages include unique Certificate ID + QR, email support and annotated observations specific to your 5513.
Questions
Rolex Submariner 5513 — FAQ
Key answers before you buy, sell or list a 5513.
Can you authenticate from photos only?
Yes — it’s a preliminary certificate. Movement/caseback photos increase reliability; we flag any unknowns transparently.
Do you identify service parts?
We do. We note crystals, crowns, hands, inserts and bracelets that are later or non‑OEM so you can price accordingly.
Do you verify bezel insert generation?
Yes — we compare font geometry, triangle/pearl style and aging to period baselines.
How fast is the turnaround?
Standard is 24h; expedited 6h/2h options appear when capacity allows.
Is the certificate accepted by buyers?
The ID + QR lets anyone verify on our website — ideal for marketplace listings and private deals.
Do you handle other references?
Yes — we cover vintage & modern Rolex (e.g., 1680, 5512, 14060), plus Omega, AP, Patek, Cartier and more.
Ready to Verify Your Submariner 5513?
Attach a trusted, verifiable document to your negotiation. It pays for itself in time saved and stronger outcomes.