Launched in approximately 1962, reference 5513, along with reference 5512, were the first Submariner models to be fitted with crown guards. Its predecessors, such as reference 5508 or 6536/1 all featured a 'small crown', which Rolex deemed too delicate for a robust tool watch.

An especially alluring variant of reference 5513 is one fitted with a lacquer dial, such as the present watch. Produced until approximately 1967, lacquer, or gilt dials, impress with their glossy finish and golden text which catches the light beautifully. The present example features a particularly attractive dial that has turned a warm tobacco "tropical" tone with age. While the luminous markers have aged evenly with the hands, the lacquer displays a charming "spiderwebbing" effect.

Consigned by the family of the original owner, the current reference 5513 was likely purchased by the original owner, a military doctor, during his service in Vietnam. His family states: “Dr. David Van Brown was Lieutenant General of the 50th General Hospital. He was in Saigon for 11 years and purchased the watch there probably around 1966. He was a pathologist and also a Professor of Anatomy at the University of Washington as well as Chief of Lab Services at the VA. He loved the watch and wore it all the time.”

Displaying so much charisma, the present example is preserved in overall excellent condition with crisp bevels and finishes throughout.