Rolex. A stainless steel automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer dial and bracelet

The present watch is an honest example of the popular Submariner reference 5513. Its inside case back is stamped III.66, indicating production of the case back in the third quarter of 1966. The case of the watch is in original condition with sharp edges on the lugs and very crisp milling on the back. There are only signs of natural wear and no indication of cosmetic enhancement. The black lacquer dial bears the correct gilt writing for the time period.

Reference 5513 was introduced in 1962 and was advertised in Rolex catalogues until 1989. It followed in the footsteps of reference 5512, which is regarded as the first "modern" Submariner model and was more expensive. Not bearing the words "Officially Certified Chronometer", reference 5513 initially had gilt script on the dial. This changed around 1967 or 1968 when Rolex used white printing for the dial and inverted the depth rating to say 660ft=200m.