Rolex 5513 submariner vintage serif dial

Rolex Submariner 5513
Age of the watch: Approx. 1972 (serial 2.9m)
Price: €12,950, shipment to be discussed

For sale: a 5513 Submariner with an extremely thick case and beautiful patina. It was sold to me as unpolished—whether that is truly the case is hard to determine after 50 years, but please refer to the photos to assess the condition of the case and the watch. I recently acquired another 5513, which is why this one is up for sale.

Dial: A very clean Serif dial with stunning patina on both the hands and the dial. All lume plots are intact and have developed a lovely golden-yellow hue.

Case: Extremely thick case with all bevels still present. The back of the lugs also retains the “kink” that is typically lost when a watch is polished. The area around the case back remains thick, with no signs of polishing or thinning. I have included some extra detailed photos.

Hands: Matches the dial with the same beautiful yellow patina.

Movement: Runs and winds smoothly. According to the dealer I purchased it from last summer, it was serviced. I believe there is still warranty coverage until June/July of this year.

Bracelet: A newer 93150 bracelet with minimal stretch. The photo shows the maximum stretch.

As seen in the photos, this is an exceptionally well-preserved 5513 with a very thick case.

No returns. More photos available upon request.

Preference for cash, but in case of trade, I prefer Rolex, Omega, or a vintage chronograph

Up

I see why you have a microscope as avatar ;-)

While I do appreciate the work Beaumont Miller has put in the 5513matte dial website, honestly I think it’s one of the better watchsites out there, I have always had my doubts about his labeling regarding these dials.

To me it does not make sense to call a dial with some very small serifs on the 3,6 and 9 lume dots a “serif dial” and the dial with more pronounced serifs in the E of the Rolex font on the dial a “non serif dial”. That’s why I chose to label my watch a “serif dial” in this advertisement and also on other places like instagram during my possession of the watch.

I’m not the only one using this labeling, I think almost all “big name dealers” use “Serif” for this dial instead of “non serif” . Just a few examples:

https://bulangandsons.nl/products/rolex-5513-submariner-serif-dial-1972

https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/1973-rolex-submariner-5513-serif-dial/mhtl

https://hqmilton.com/products/1971-rolex-5513-serif-dial-with-box-and-papers

But as you said it does not make any sense regarding the desirability of the watch, also the serif and non serif dials where used in the same period and found in the same serial range.

I think it's laziness with regard to the dealers (see below), as an owner of a Serif Sub this has irked me for some time. Given that the indices are most prominent, it logically follows that as they have "serifing" on them, they might dictate the moniker (similar to Radial, Maxi, etc.). I do, however, acknowledge the counter examples that exist (Meters first, Long E, etc.).

Anyway, I digress and this looks like a very nice example of a Sub regardless of what you call it. GLWS and free bump for you!



https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/1975-rolex-submariner-5513-serif-dial/o6w1

https://bulangandsons.com/products/...52oF19JkF8JTRbpLW06ZYZqNss6Z37ZyVHO4z345wutPM

https://hqmilton.com/products/1966-...wpsdRVmiqFtZ39TGfT7J2Wu_CTIqEaWVcUK0tnSwlA66r

Look at those edges!