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The Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 is one of the most important vintage Rolex sports watches ever made. Produced for decades, it represents the purest form of the no-date Submariner, with a clean dial layout, acrylic crystal and the tool watch character that made the model so iconic.
This 1977 example is a particularly attractive watch, combining strong condition, proper vintage charm and a highly desirable set of accessories. It features an original Mark 1 Pre-Comex dial with original tritium handset, giving the watch exactly the kind of character collectors want from a late 1970s Submariner.
The dial has developed a beautiful warm tritium tone, with the hour plots and hands working together very well. The black dial, acrylic crystal and faded vintage feel give the watch a depth and softness that modern Submariners simply do not have.
The 40mm stainless steel case is in fantastic condition for its age, retaining strong overall presence and the correct vintage Submariner proportions. It is powered by the Rolex calibre 1520 automatic movement and fitted to a Rolex Oyster 93150 bracelet with DE6 clasp code.
What makes this example especially appealing is the set. The watch is supplied with its Rolex papers showing a UK date of sale in 1977, inner and outer Rolex box, steel anchor, wallet, translation card, Oyster booklet and previous Watchfinder purchase information. The box is the 50th Anniversary Oyster box with the decorative badge inside, which adds a lovely period detail to the overall package.
This is a strong, honest and highly collectable vintage Submariner with the dial, case condition and provenance that matter.
Key Features
Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513
Year 1977
Rolex calibre 1520 automatic movement
40mm stainless steel case
Original Mark 1 Pre-Comex dial
Original tritium handset
Warm tritium lume
Acrylic crystal
Rolex Oyster 93150 bracelet with DE6 clasp code
Inner and outer Rolex box
Rolex papers dated 1977
UK date of sale
Steel anchor
Rolex wallet
Translation card
Oyster booklet
Previous Watchfinder purchase information
A Word on Condition
This Submariner presents in fantastic condition for its age. The 40mm stainless steel case has strong overall presence, with good definition and the kind of honest vintage profile that collectors look for in a Ref. 5513.
The dial is the real heart of the watch. The original Mark 1 Pre-Comex dial remains very attractive, with warm tritium plots and an original tritium handset that has aged beautifully alongside it. The overall look is balanced, original and full of character.
The bezel insert has a nicely aged vintage appearance, pairing well with the dial and acrylic crystal. The watch has the softness and charm you only get from an honest vintage Submariner, while still feeling strong and wearable.
The Rolex Oyster 93150 bracelet has a DE6 clasp code, making it a later bracelet for the watch. This has been clearly disclosed and fully considered in the price. It also gives the watch a more solid and practical feel on the wrist, which many buyers prefer for regular wear.
Accessories / The Set
This watch is supplied with a very strong set, including:
Inner and outer Rolex box
50th Anniversary Oyster box with decorative badge inside
Rolex papers dated 1977
UK date of sale
Steel anchor
Rolex wallet
Translation card
Oyster booklet
Previous Watchfinder purchase information
This is best described as a very strong box and papers example with excellent accompanying accessories. The presence of original papers, period accessories and previous purchase information gives the watch a level of provenance that is increasingly difficult to find with vintage Submariners.
All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.
Why Buy This Watch
The Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 remains one of the most collectable vintage Rolex references. It has the design purity of a no-date Submariner, the charm of an acrylic crystal and the historical importance of one of Rolex’s longest-running professional sports models.
This example has the details that matter. A desirable Mark 1 Pre-Comex dial, original tritium handset, warm lume, strong case condition and a very good set of accessories. These are the features that separate a truly interesting vintage Submariner from an average example.
The later 93150 bracelet has been disclosed, but it also makes the watch more wearable and robust while keeping the overall look exactly right.
For someone looking for a vintage Rolex Submariner with condition, character and provenance, this 1977 Ref. 5513 is a very compelling example.
Every watch we sell is fully inspected and professionally serviced where required to meet our exacting standards. All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging, full purchase documentation and a 12 month warranty as standard.