Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 - Meters First Dial
Straight Facts
The Rolex Submariner is a true icon - and the word icon does get thrown around a lot. If you were to ask 10 people to draw you their idea of a watch looks like - chances are they would draw or describe something that looks like a Rolex Submariner. It’s the dive watch of reference good/bad/indifferent there is no escaping it. Over its 70 year run there have been numerous changes made to the model, but this - the reference 5513 - is widely considered to be the reference to own.
The 5513 spanned almost 30 years of production (1962-1989) and underwent a series of changes that saw the earliest models born with gilt dials, and the last ones born with high-gloss dials with white gold surrounds. The present example hails from the earlier side of production with ‘Meters First’ matte dial. Prized for their clean, 2-line dials, these are one of the most popular Submariner variants in the 5513 family and the meters-first configuration was only made for a short period. What does Meters First mean? If you look at the dial, the depth ratings print 200 Meters FIRST, before listing the 660 Feet rating. This was switched shortly after 1967 and as such - these remain very desirable. As these were really still diver tool watches, many watches got destroyed, had their dials changed out, or just got lost in the cushions of a couch that ended up in a trash compactor (Check the cushions ASAP!)
This watch is in truly outstanding condition with a flawless dial and well preserved case - with a beautifully faded and rare Long 5 Insert. As we mentioned, the two-lines of text on the dial is clean and uncluttered, before all the multiple lines of text we know today began being printed. This is a special one, and with the 70th Anniversary of the Submariner in 2023, what better way to celebrate.
*Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing. They are not actually on the watch or visible in natural lighting.
About the brand
Case
Condition
Movement
Bracelet
Shipping & Returns
At Oliver & Clarke, domestic shipping is on us. If you are international and require a quote – please feel free to reach out to us at info@oliverandclarke.com so we can get you squared away!
Returns (accepted within 3 days of initial delivery of your purchase) must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. For payments via Credit Card, a 5% restocking fee will be in place for any returns or cancellations in order to cover our processing fee. Of course, watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.
If you happen to trade a watch with us, which we always love, trades are final, except of course if the watch is grossly misdescribed or misrepresented.
Choose options
"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."
"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."
"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."
From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.
Oliver & Clarke