Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 - Meters First Dial - 1966

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 is one of the most important vintage Rolex sports watches ever made, and this 1966 example is a particularly special early configuration.

For many collectors, the magic of the 5513 sits in its purity. No date, no cyclops, no unnecessary complication. Just a 40mm Oyster case, rotating dive bezel, acrylic crystal and a clean matte dial layout. It is the classic vintage Submariner formula, and it remains one of the most wearable and collectable Rolex references.

This example is especially appealing because it has the rare and highly desirable meters first dial. On these early Submariners, the depth rating is printed with metres before feet, reading 200m first before 660ft. It is a small detail to some, but to vintage Rolex collectors it matters enormously. It places the watch in an earlier and more collectable period of Submariner production.

The dial condition is a major highlight. The original meters first dial presents beautifully, with warm tritium lume plots and the original tritium handset still fitted. The overall look is honest, balanced and full of vintage character.

The watch is also fitted with its original MK2 bezel insert, which is another important detail. The bezel has the right vintage presence and frames the dial perfectly, giving the watch the classic early Submariner look.

Inside is the Rolex calibre 1520 automatic movement, a robust and well respected Rolex movement from this period. Fitted to a Rolex Oyster 9315 bracelet dated to 1972, this is a very strong and highly collectable vintage Submariner with the right details.

Key Features

• Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513

• Year 1966

• Rolex calibre 1520 automatic movement

• 40mm stainless steel case

• Rare original meters first dial

• Original tritium handset

• Warm tritium lume

• Original MK2 bezel insert

• Acrylic crystal

• Rolex Oyster 9315 bracelet

• Bracelet date code 1972

• Sold as watch only

A Word on Condition

This Rolex Submariner presents beautifully, with the dial being the clear centrepiece of the watch. The original meters first dial is in superb condition for its age, with strong printing, attractive surface quality and warm tritium lume that gives the watch exactly the kind of character collectors look for.

The original tritium handset remains fitted and has aged in a way that works very well with the dial. The lume tone is warm, coherent and highly attractive, giving the watch a properly honest vintage appearance.

The original MK2 bezel insert is another major highlight. It shows attractive age and use, but retains the correct look and presence for the watch. Original inserts are increasingly important on vintage Submariners, and this one adds significantly to the overall appeal.

The 40mm steel case shows honest signs of age and careful use, as expected for a Submariner from 1966. The watch retains strong wrist presence and the classic proportions that make the Ref. 5513 so desirable.

The Rolex Oyster 9315 bracelet is dated to 1972, making it a later but period correct bracelet. It suits the watch well and gives the Submariner a comfortable, correct vintage feel on the wrist.

Accessories / The Set

This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for vintage timepieces. We place greater value on condition, originality and overall integrity than whether a box or papers happen to be present.

Many vintage watches have lost their packaging over time, and we do not believe in inflating prices with non-original extras. If a watch does include genuine box and papers, this will always be clearly noted in the description.

All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.

Why Buy This Watch

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 is already one of the great vintage Rolex sports watches, but early meters first examples sit in a more desirable and collectable category.

This watch has the details that matter. A rare original meters first dial, original tritium handset, original MK2 bezel insert, acrylic crystal and Rolex calibre 1520 movement. These are the features that separate a serious vintage Submariner from a more ordinary example.

The dial condition is especially important. On vintage Rolex sports watches, the dial is everything, and this one has a beautiful balance of preservation, warmth and character. It looks like a proper early Submariner should.

For someone looking for an important vintage Rolex Submariner with collector grade details, strong originality and real visual appeal, this 1966 Ref. 5513 meters first is a superb 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.