Released in 1962, the Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 was in production until 1989 enjoying a lengthy production span of over 27 years. Throughout its production, the reference witnessed various upgrades and tweaks, especially the dial. While the earliest examples of the reference featured glossy gilt dials with gilt writing, later examples featured matte black dials with either meters first or feet first. Towards the end of its production, Rolex replaced the matte black dial variants with a glossy black dial featuring white gold bordered luminous indexes. These glossy examples were produced until the reference was entirely discontinued.
The present example Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 with an “L” serial from circa 1989 belongs to one of the latest examples of the reference before it was discontinued. Offered in attractive overall condition boasting a nice and clean dial with a glossy luster, it is further complete with its original set of accessories.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.