Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 - 'Serif' 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 5513 that we have here is known within the collecting community as a 'Serif' 5513, for its somewhat irregular, well, serifs on the 3, 6, and 9 markers. The dial itself remains in fantastic overall condition, with fully-intact Tritium plots that exhibit a light and even patina. The handset matches the dial and Tritium pip within the black aluminum bezel insert nicely. The case has been very lightly polished in the past and retains symmetrical proportions with thick and symmetrical lugs and normal signs of wear. It comes fitted to a period-correct Oyster bracelet with a fliplock clasp to round out the package.
For many of us, this is what vintage is all about: subtle details, honest condition that tells a story, and uniqueness in wear/patina. This one embodies all of the above!
Condition Report & Details
Condition:
Movement:
Bracelet/Strap:
Shipping, Returns, & Warranty
Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
Please note:
- Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
- We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
Warranty Exclusions:
- Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
- Our warranty is non-transferable.
The Oliver & Clarke Guarantee
At Oliver & Clarke, we meticulously vet each watch to ensure its authenticity and quality. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our mission is to help you find the perfect timepiece. If you have any questions, we are here to assist you promptly.
Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
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