Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 - 'MK1 Maxi' Dial

The Rolex Submariner is a true icon — and the word "icon" does get thrown around an awful lot. If you were to ask ten people at random to draw you their idea of what a watch looks like, there is a significant chance that they would draw or describe something that looks like a Rolex Submariner. It’s the dive watch of reference, and good/bad/indifferent there is no escaping it. Throughout its 70-year production, there have been countless small changes made to the model, particularly in the first decade or so, with the 5513 representing a true landmark in the history of the model.

The Ref. 5513 mirrored the slightly earlier Ref. 5512 in virtually every way, minus the chronometer certified calibre within, and therefore only 2 lines of text on the bottom half of the dial, rather than the 4 that chronometer certified watches bear until this day. The 5513 enjoyed a long twenty-seven-year production run, and like many Rolex models, there was a large number of variations to the dials, bezel inserts, bracelets, etc., which results in a very fun and interesting collecting experience.

The piece that we have here dated to circa 1978 and features what is known within the collecting community as a 'MK1 Maxi' dial. The case shows normal signs of wear throughout, having been lightly polished in the past and retains thick and symmetrical lugs. The correct solid-link Oyster bracelet is seemingly unpolished and shows matching wear. Inside, that 'Maxi' dial with it's oversized plots is beautifully preserved and seemingly devoid of any wear. The Tritium plots exhibit an attractive, almost gradient patina throughout, and the handset matched perfectly. The black aluminum bezel insert is also in excellent condition and has developed a 'matte' appearance over the years, and the Tritium pip within matches the dial and hands beautifully.