Rolex Submariner No Date 5513 Feet First Faded Blue Insert 1971 (Full-Set/Serviced)

Rolex Submariner 5513 in steel, black dial with faded blue bezel, 1971 serial, cal. 1520, complete with box and papers.

Rolex Submariner

Rolex is one of the most recognized watch brands in the world, and that reputation is built on a long track record of producing reliable, well-made tool watches. The company has been around since the early 1900s and has spent decades refining its manufacturing processes to the point where it handles nearly everything in-house. Rolex watches hold their value well compared to most other brands, which makes them a practical choice for collectors and everyday wearers alike.

The Submariner is Rolex's core dive watch and has been in production since 1953. It was designed as a functional tool for divers, rated to 200 meters of water resistance, with a rotating bezel to track elapsed dive time. Over the decades it became something much broader, worn well outside of diving contexts because of its clean, versatile design. The 40mm case size and straightforward layout have held up well and the watch reads as current even on vintage references.

The 5513 is one of the most collected Submariner references, produced from roughly 1962 to 1989. What sets it apart from contemporaries like the 1680 is that it lacked a date complication, which many collectors prefer for its cleaner dial and slightly thinner profile. The reference went through several dial and bezel variations over its long production run, which gives collectors a lot to dig into when it comes to finding specific configurations. It runs the caliber 1520 or 1530 movement depending on the production period, both of which are straightforward, proven movements that are well-supported by watchmakers today.

Key Details To Consider

This Rolex Submariner reference 5513 is a genuinely well-preserved example from 1971, with a serial number in the 2.9 million range. The watch has been professionally polished to factory standards by a certified Rolex polisher, and the result shows. The lugs are thick and retain sharp edges, which is one of the first things collectors look for on vintage Submariners and often the first thing lost to careless polishing over the decades.

The dial is the original matte "feet first" version and presents in excellent condition, with no fading, damage, or redial work. The MK2 bezel insert has aged naturally to a blue tone, a characteristic that collectors actively seek out on these references. It adds a lot of visual interest and confirms the originality of the piece. The bracelet is period correct, retains all 12 links, and shows no stretch, which is not something you can take for granted on a watch of this age.

The movement was professionally serviced in October 2026 and pressure tested to 3 ATM (30 meters). It is running well. All case engravings, including the serial and model numbers, remain fully legible and intact.

The watch comes with its original box and the original papers, which are punched and stamped. For a 5513 of this vintage, having both the box and stamped papers with the watch is a meaningful detail that adds to the overall package.

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