ROLEX SUBMARINER

Maker: Rolex
Model: Submariner
Reference: 5513
Year: 1987
Serial: 9'5xx'xxx
Material: Stainless Steel
Dial: Tritium Dial, Tritium Lume fell off at 11 and 7 o'clock give it a cool touch as I never have seen this before. A bitt of corrosion at 3 o'clock.
Dimensions: 40mm
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Tritium
Bracelet: Rolex, oyster bracelet, ref. 93150 with end links 580. Clasp stamped with K12 (year 1986)
Box & Papers: None

Take Pierce Brosnan, the embodiment of suave sophistication as James Bond inGoldenEye. His portrayal of 007 didn’t just redefine espionage cool—it also cemented the Rolex Submariner as the ultimate blend of rugged masculinity and timeless elegance. Then there’s Eric Clapton, a maestro both on stage and in style, with a Submariner collection that rivals his legendary music catalog, showcasing his impeccable taste. And of course, Tom Hardy—an actor whose raw intensity parallels the no-frills, robust design of the 14060. These icons are more than just admirers; they personify the essence of the Submariner: refined, resilient, and always in vogue.

Morning Escape: Effortless Weekend Casual

Imagine an early morning ritual—grabbing an espresso from your favorite café, flipping through the paper, and easing into the day with a quiet sense of purpose. The Submariner 5513 complements this moment with understated confidence. Pair it with a well-worn suede bomber jacket, a crisp white tee, and tailored selvedge denim. The watch’s battle-worn tritium dial and subtle imperfections add character, mirroring the patina of vintage leather sneakers or a well-loved canvas tote. It’s a look that says you appreciate quality, but never try too hard.

Business as (Un)Usual: The Modern Professional

Despite its diving origins, the Submariner 5513 transitions effortlessly into the workweek. Whether you're presenting in the boardroom or strategizing over lunch, its sleek 40mm profile slides neatly under the cuff of a navy merino-wool polo layered beneath a tailored grey blazer. Pair with dark wool trousers and classic suede loafers for a refined yet relaxed aesthetic. Unlike more conventional dress watches, the Submariner brings an edge—subtle but unmistakably self-assured. No need to flash it; a glimpse from beneath the cuff does all the talking.

Evening Edge: The Art of Smart-Casual

The night calls for something sharp yet effortless—an outfit that moves seamlessly from a gallery opening to a late-night cocktail bar. The Submariner 5513, with its storied dial and stainless steel charm, plays the perfect companion. Pair it with a midnight-blue linen shirt, lightweight black chinos, and minimalist leather Chelsea boots. Add a vintage-inspired leather belt and a sleek topcoat for a look that’s both polished and nonchalantly cool. It’s the kind of pairing that suggests you know your history but write your own rules.

The Rolex Submariner 5513 is more than just an icon—it’s a timeworn testament to the enduring allure of vintage tool watches. Produced in 1987, this particular example bears the hallmarks of an adventurous life, each detail whispering of decades spent in motion.

Housed in a 40mm stainless steel case, its proportions remain true to the era, with crisp lines and well-preserved lugs that have gracefully aged with time. The brushed surfaces still retain their rugged charm, while the polished edges catch the light just enough to hint at its original finesse. Complementing the case is the robust Oyster bracelet (Ref. 93150) with 580 end links, a pairing that ensures both comfort and unmistakable wrist presence. The clasp, stamped K12, dates to 1986, aligning perfectly with the watch’s production timeline.

The dial—always the soul of a vintage Rolex—offers a distinctive character shaped by time. The original black surface remains rich, serving as a stark backdrop for the luminous hour markers that have developed a warm, creamy patina. But it’s the tritium lume, or rather what’s left of it, that makes this piece uniquely compelling. Notably, the lume at 11 and 7 o’clock has fallen away, leaving behind ghostly voids that add an unexpected, almost poetic touch (Slightly whiter then the others). It’s a quirk of aging rarely seen, making this example truly one-of-a-kind. A subtle trace of corrosion at 3 o’clock only deepens its vintage appeal, a gentle reminder that this Submariner has been lived in, not just stored away.

Protected by a domed plexiglass crystal, this 5513 remains as functional as ever—a testament to Rolex’s commitment to durability. Inside, the movement beats with quiet confidence, delivering precision as reliably as it did when first worn in the late '80s.

No box or papers accompany this Submariner, but in truth, it hardly needs them. Its character speaks louder than any certificate could. This is a watch for those who appreciate the poetry of imperfection, the beauty of a timepiece that has truly been worn and loved.

For collectors seeking a Rolex that doesn’t just tell time but also tells a story, this 5513 is a worthy companion.

In terms of performance, the watch excels; it was tested for accuracy, demonstrating a seconds per day (s/d) deviation of 1, with an amplitude of 263—illustrative of its superb mechanical precision.

The price includes Swiss VAT of 8.1%, which can be directly deducted for export, and the shipping cost comes with full worldwide insurance. Please note that the customer will be responsible for paying any customs duties in their country.

If you desire a complete service, we can provide it at an additional cost, with a warranty of at least one year for precision and accuracy (not for waterproofness).