1987 Rolex Submariner (Ref. 5513) "R Serial"

The Rolex Submariner reference 5513 stands as one of the purest expressions of the classic dive watch. Introduced in 1962 and produced until 1989, the ref. 5513 enjoyed one of the longest production runs of any Submariner reference. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, featuring the iconic Submariner case design and a clean, highly legible dial free of a date complication, resulting in a tool watch that is both purposeful and enduringly stylish.

Among vintage Rolex models, the 5513 is widely regarded as the quintessential no-date Submariner. Its unmistakably utilitarian character has served as the benchmark for countless sports watches that followed, many attempting to replicate the balance of form and function that Rolex achieved so effortlessly with this model. Today, the ref. 5513 remains a cornerstone of vintage collecting, an essential reference that nearly every enthusiast encounters at some point in their journey, and for good reason.

The last of the ref. 5513 Submariners produced were adorned with serial numbers beginning with a letter, not a number. These 5513s were the last of the legendary reference that so many iconic people wore and loved. These watches today have become highly desirable as they are the bookend to one of the longest-running and most appreciated references Rolex has ever produced. During this time, only very few 5513s made it off the production line as Rolex was preparing to introduce its successor, the ref. 14060 Submariner.