Image 1 of 16
Image 2 of 16
Image 3 of 16
Image 4 of 16
Image 5 of 16
Image 6 of 16
Image 7 of 16
Image 8 of 16
Image 9 of 16
Image 10 of 16
Image 11 of 16
Image 12 of 16
Image 13 of 16
Image 14 of 16
Image 15 of 16
Image 16 of 16
This Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 is exactly the kind of vintage Rolex that collectors get excited about. Produced in 1967, it sits in one of the most interesting transitional periods for the Submariner, where Rolex moved away from earlier gilt dials and into the matte dial era.
The dial is an original meters first matte dial, placing the depth rating as 200m first, followed by 660ft. This detail is one of the defining characteristics collectors look for on early matte 5513 Submariners.
What makes this example particularly special is the zinc sulphide tritium lume. This early tritium mixture was used for a short period and gives the dial and hands their distinctive puffy, domed texture. The lume has aged beautifully, with a warm vintage tone, and still reacts green under UV before fading away gradually.
The watch is powered by the Rolex calibre 1520 automatic movement and housed in a 40mm stainless steel Oyster case. The inside of the caseback is stamped for the second quarter of 1967, which correctly aligns with the period of the watch.
The bezel is fitted with its original long 5 insert, another highly desirable detail on a vintage Rolex Submariner 5513. It also comes on its original Rolex 7206 Oyster bracelet, date stamped 2/67, giving the watch a wonderfully complete and period correct feel.
This is not just a vintage Submariner. It is a beautifully honest 1967 Rolex Submariner 5513 with the right dial, the right lume, the right bracelet and its original box.
Key Features
Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513
Year 1967
Rolex automatic calibre 1520 movement
40mm stainless steel Oyster case
Caseback stamped II.67
Original meters first matte dial
Zinc sulphide tritium lume
Original matching hands
Original long 5 bezel insert
Original plain dot crown
Acrylic crystal
Original Rolex 7206 Oyster bracelet, date stamped 2/67
Sold with original box
A Word on Condition
This Rolex Submariner 5513 presents as a fantastic vintage example with all the character collectors want to see.
The original meters first dial has aged beautifully, with warm zinc sulphide tritium plots that retain the distinctive puffy texture associated with this short-lived lume mixture. The original hands match the dial well and show the same period-correct ageing.
The original long 5 bezel insert remains fitted to the watch and shows honest signs of age and use, which only adds to the charm of the piece. The case has the presence expected of a vintage Submariner and retains a strong tool-watch feel.
The watch is fitted to its original Rolex 7206 Oyster bracelet, stamped 2/67, which is a very important detail for a collector-focused example. Overall, this is a highly attractive and correct vintage Submariner with excellent originality throughout.
Accessories / The Set
This watch is sold with its original Rolex box.
As with all vintage timepieces, we place greater value on condition, originality and overall integrity than on whether every original accessory has survived. In this case, the presence of the original box adds a lovely extra layer to an already very compelling watch.
All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.
Why Buy This Watch
The Rolex Submariner 5513 is one of the most iconic vintage Rolex references ever made, but not all 5513s are equal. The strongest examples are the ones with originality, correct period details and the kind of ageing that cannot be recreated.
This watch has all of that.
A 1967 meters first matte dial already places it in one of the most desirable Submariner periods. Add the rare zinc sulphide tritium lume, matching original hands, original long 5 bezel insert and original 7206 bracelet, and you have a watch with real collector substance.
The 5513 remains one of the most wearable vintage Rolex sports watches. It has the look, the history and the simplicity that made the Submariner famous, but this particular example has the detail and originality that makes it stand apart.
For someone looking for a serious vintage Rolex Submariner, this is a very special example.
Every watch we sell is fully inspected to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12 month warranty as standard.