All you need is a 5513

The Submariner 5513 was introduced in 1962 and produced until 1989, making it one of Rolex’s most enduring references. Its dial went through several phases over the decades, each with its own visual language and collector appeal. The earliest examples featured glossy gilt dials with gold text and chapter rings—hallmarks of early 1960s Rolex design. By the late '60s, Rolex moved to matte dials with white printed text and painted tritium hour markers, favoring a more practical, tool-focused aesthetic. These matte dials continued through the 1970s, before giving way to the final generation of dials in the early 1980s—glossy black with white text and white gold surrounds. It was within this final generation that the so-called Spider dials appeared, a result of delicate lacquer reactions over time, creating a unique web-like cracking across the dial surface. The Rolex Submariner reference 5513, produced from 1962 until 1989, is among the most iconic and longest-running models in Rolex’s history. Over the course of its nearly three-decade lifespan, the 5513 underwent a subtle yet fascinating evolution in dial design, with each phase reflecting changes not only in aesthetic preference but also in manufacturing methods and broader shifts within Rolex’s design philosophy.

The watch offered is a Rolex Submariner 5513 that represents the golden age of the brand’s tool-watch philosophy—understated, purpose-driven, and perfectly balanced. This particular example, dating from 1985, stands out not only for its White Gold Surround (WGS) dial, but for an even rarer and visually arresting feature: the “Spider” dial effect—a fine, natural cracking of the glossy surface that has become one of the most collectible dial quirks of the late vintage era. The surface of the dial remains glossy, we could almost imagine it is a re-edition of the stellar Gilt dial. The luminous material has aged to a vivid creamy color and is perfectly matching with the hands.

The case, absolute exceptional – well defined, sharp lugs still showing off beautiful factory finish and chamfers that will reflect in the light. It has been very lightly polished in the past, we would guess once only. The bezel is equally sharp and gives a great grip when we try to turn it. The insert is correct and matching, has slightly matted out from age, the pearl is present and matching.

The long and matching Oyster bracelet is in equally sharp condition like the case and shows only very little stretch from age.

A great Submariner for someone who would want quality on the wrist. It is one of those watches where you don’t need a loupe to see that it’s right, you just look at it and see that everything is good on this watch.

We are happy to offer this watch with its original Warranty Certificate issued from the USA.

Specifications

SKU: 1.2.370
Brand: Rolex
Model: Submariner
Ref. No.: 5513
Serial No.: 8780xxx
Year: 1985
Gender: Gents
Case Size: 40mm
Case: Excellent case showing beautiful factory finish and chamfers. The case has been lightly polished, is fat and shows well proportioned lugs. Cae numbers crisp and legible.The bezel is sharp and holds a correct period insert with matching pearl.
Bracelet / Strap: Very good 93150 Oyster bracelet with dive extension and waffle clasp.The bracelet shows moderate wear from age and is in vert nice shape. With 13 links it is fully linked
Dial : Very nice glossy dial with white gold surrounds that is showing overall spidering under magnification. The surface is glossy and free of any visible wear. The luminous material has nicely aged to a vivid creamy color, the hands have aged darker than on the dial.
Crystal: Acrylic
Movement: Automatic
Condition: Mint
Box: Momentum Leather Pouch

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