1989 Rolex Submariner No-Date Gloss Dial 5513 L-Serial 40mm
Ref: 5513
Specification
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as “Watch Only” and, therefore, comes without its Rolex box or paperwork. It comes paired with its original 20mm stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with a flip-lock safety clasp; the 11 Link 93150 bracelet will fit up to a 7.2-inch wrist. The watch is from Circa. 1989 and is sold in worn condition, but overall, it is in fair condition, with an amazing original Tritium gloss dial and Tritium hands, as you can see from the photos. A full case and bracelet refurb can be provided at an additional cost on request. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HzZI3LfzRcJ0bxLRtiLmEorXXMnQ6iZm?usp=drive_link
4K YouTube video, skip to 4:44 - https://youtu.be/_GNA2qNUNwE
The Watch
Here, we have a 1989 Rolex Submariner No-Date Gloss Dial 5513 L-Serial, launched in 1962 and remained in production until 1989. The L-Serials were the last of the ref. 5513.
The curvaceous 40mm stainless steel Oyster case curves over your wrist with drilled tapered lugs, polished and brushed surfaces transition with a crisp edge, and a lug-to-lug length of 47mm and a case thickness of 14mm give the watch an impressive wrist presence. On the right side is a signed Rolex screw-down crown. The crown guards are part of the case, which gives it strength. The unidirectional black aluminium divers bezel with silver numerals and markings holds a domed crystal above a glossy black dial, and the applied white-gold disc and baton indexes are filled with Tritium, marking the hours. The Mercedes's hands are complemented by a lollipop counterbalanced sweeping second-hand filled with Tritium; at 12 o’clock, a Rolex crown with the text “Rolex Oyster Perpetual” is precisely applied. At 6 o’clock, we have the two lines- “Submariner” and “ 660 FT= 200M”. Swiss T< 25 is found on the bottom, signifying that the watch is Swiss-made and the emitting level of tritium. On the reverse, a coin-edged screw-down case back. Inside an Automatic Rolex Cal. 1520, 26 jewels, 19,800 beats per hour with hacking seconds for your convenience. It comes paired with its original Rolex 93150 20mm stainless steel Oyster bracelet with a flip-lock safety clasp; this 11-link bracelet will fit up to a 7.2-inch wrist.
Personal Note
There are few more iconic watches than the Rolex Submariner, and of those, the 5513 is a timeless classic. This late L-Serial dating to 1989 is a wonderful example with its original tritium dial and hands, developing a subtle, warm patina, which can be appreciated under the impressive, heavily domed acrylic crystal. If you are in the market for a Rolex Submariner, I'd seriously consider this one. For a similar price, or in some cases less, than a modern example in the secondary market, this 5513 feels like a no-brainer!
The Brand
Born in Geneva, Jean-Marc Vacheron was the youngest of a master weaver’s five sons. Jean-Marc Vacheron created his watchmaking workshop at the age of 24. The company was founded on September 17, 1755. This makes it the world's oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation. In 1810, Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron took over the business. His impact on the company saw Vacheron enter the world of great watchmakers. At that time, his workshop began making intricate and ever more complicated pieces, such as musical watches that played two melodies. Commercially, the company soon developed and expanded beyond Switzerland’s borders, first in neighbouring France and then in Italy. In 1819 François Constantin met with Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron. Both men came from Geneva, sharing a passion for stylish and complicated watches. The "Vacheron et Constantin" company was soon to be created. The American watch industry became evermore a threat, therefore Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron decided to hand his business to his son in 1844. Charles-César Vacheron designed an efficient process for the factory and moved the business into new markets such as China, Spain, India and Cuba. 1906 saw the grand opening of the first Vacheron Constantin Boutique in Geneva. The great-grandnephew of François Constantin joined the business in 1914 after completing his studies at the École d'Horlogerie de Genève. During this time, the First World War broke out, and he was conscripted and sent to the northern border. Vacheron Constantin's models have been appreciated and worn by the Faruk of Egypt, the Shah of Iran and the Duke of Windsor, amongst many other famous characters over the years. In 1955, Vacheron Constantin celebrated its bi-centenary and, on this occasion, introduced the world’s thinnest watch movement, which was 1,64mm. Vacheron Constantin became the first watchmaking company to collect the rare and highly desirable “Diplôme Prestige de la France”, which recognised their talent in craftsmanship and design in 1972. A new production facility was built in Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, as well as a renovation of the brand’s historical headquarters, now known as the “Maison Vacheron Constantin”. 2005 Vacheron Constantin celebrated its 250th anniversary.