Rolex Submariner (No Date) 5513 "Meters First" Long 5 Ghost Bezel 1969 (Full-Set)

Rolex Submariner 5513, ref. 2.2M serial, meters-first dial, ghost insert, riveted bracelet with 80 end links, box and papers

Rolex Submariner

Rolex is one of the most recognized watch manufacturers in the world, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The brand has been producing watches since the early 1900s and built its reputation on robust, reliable tool watches designed for real-world use. Rolex watches are known for their in-house movements, strong quality control, and the ability to hold value well over time. They are widely collected and traded on the secondary market, which speaks to how consistently the brand has maintained its reputation across decades.

The Submariner is Rolex's core dive watch and has been in production since 1953. It was designed as a functional diving instrument, rated for water resistance to 200 meters in its early references. Over the decades, it became one of the most recognizable watch designs in the world, worn by everyone from professional divers to heads of state. The Submariner helped define what a modern sports watch looks like, and its basic design has remained largely consistent since its introduction.

The reference 5513 was produced from 1962 through 1989, making it one of the longest-running references in the Submariner lineup. It used the caliber 1520 movement, a non-chronometer-certified automatic, which kept the price point slightly below the certified 1680 reference sold alongside it for much of its production run. The 5513 went through numerous dial and bezel insert variations over its long production life, which makes it a popular reference among collectors who enjoy tracking those changes. Because of its extended run and broad availability relative to other vintage Submariners, it serves as a solid entry point into vintage Rolex collecting.

Key Details To Consider

The Rolex Submariner reference 5513 is one of the most sought-after vintage Submariners, and this example presents very well for its age. The serial number places this watch in the 2.2 million range, consistent with production from late 1960s, and everything on it is original and period correct.

The steel case measures 40mm and was polished at some point in the past, which is common for watches of this era. Despite that, the lugs remain thick and have plenty of material left, meaning a light restoration is straightforward if the buyer prefers a different finish. General signs of wear are present, as you would expect from a watch of this vintage, but nothing that detracts from its overall presentation.

The dial is a meters-first example, which is the correct configuration for this period of production. The lume on the indices has aged to an even eggshell tone, and the matching hands show the same consistent patina across all plots. There are no blotchy or uneven spots, which makes this a particularly clean example from a collector standpoint.

The bezel insert is the original ghost long 5 variant, faded to a pale, washed-out tone that collectors actively look for in vintage Submariners. It adds a great deal of character and is consistent with what you would expect on a genuine, unpolished example of this reference.

The original riveted Oyster bracelet with 80 end links is included and is in good condition. There is some light stretch present, as is typical for bracelets of this age, and it currently sits at 11 links, fitting a 7.5 inch (19cm) wrist. Additional links can be provided upon request if needed.

This watch comes with its original box and papers, which is a significant find for a 5513 of this vintage and adds meaningfully to its collectibility and documentation.

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