Rolex Submariner PCG Underline 1963 Ref 5513. F eaturing a gilt, meters first, underline, “SWISS” only dial (not double Swiss), this circa 1963 Submariner Ref. 5513 is a highly coveted and collectible example of Rolex’s most popular sports watch model. With the production of the 5513 beginning in 1962 and ending in 1989, it had a very long run. However, the absolute rarity of this particular dial combination is what makes this 5513 so desirable. There is one detail that makes this 5513 arguably more attractive than the 5512: it has 2-lines of text instead of 4-lines due to the lack of “Superlative Officially Certified Chronometer,” which is found on the majority of 5512 Submariners from 1963. The result is a cleaner look due to no chronometer markings. From BOB WATCHES During the first several years following its initial release, Rolex released a number of different variations of the Submariner; however it was not until the introduction of the reference 5512 in 1959 that Rolex's underwater timepiece would start to take on what would ultimately become its modern iconic form. Rolex released the reference 5513 Submariner in 1962 and to the average buyer, it was virtually identical to the ref. 5512 that had just been introduced a few years before. Both watches featured 40mm stainless steel cases, self-winding time-only movements, domed acrylic crystals, black luminous dials, black aluminum bezels, and matching steel Oyster bracelets. Although these two Rolex Submariner watches appeared more-or-less the same on the outside, they were powered by different movements and were accompanied by different retail prices. The ref. 5512 received a COSC-certified movement; however the reference 5513 Submariner was fitted with a similar caliber that lacked chronometer-certification. Despite the ref. 5512 being positioned as the premium version, real-world performance between the two watches was rather similar, and the lower price point of the reference 5513 made it the better-selling Submariner. By the end of the 1970s, Rolex had discontinued the ref. 5512; however production of the Submariner 5513 lasted all the way up until 1989. During its remarkably long production run, Rolex Submariner reference 5513 watches were produced with a range of variation in regards to the different styles of dials, bezels, hands, crown-guards, and bracelets that were fitted to them. The reference 5513 Submariner was introduced back in the early days of Rolex sports watches, when the brand was still using glossy gilt dials, and production of this long-running reference lasted well beyond the point when Rolex made the switch to dials with applied, white gold surrounds for the hour markers. This means that the Rolex Submariner 5513's production run spanned the entire matte dial era, and it is this wealth of variation that makes the reference 5513 one of the most diverse and exciting vintage Rolex watches for collectors to study and pursue. How Much Is A Rolex Submariner 5513? The price of a Rolex Submariner 5513 can range dramatically depending on the era in which it was produced, along with the originality of its components and its overall condition. Rolex Submariner 5513 prices start at about $9,000 for later-era examples, but they can easily reach well into the tens of thousands of dollars for early production examples with rare original dial variations. Dial Production Years (approx) Price Materials Gilt Dial 1962-1966 From $34,950 Stainless Steel Matte Dial 1967-1982 From $13,700 Stainless Steel Gloss Dial (applied markers) 1982-1989 (plus service dials) From $8,495 Stainless Steel Many things can influence the price of a vintage Rolex Submariner ref. 5513, but most collectors will argue that the greatest determining factor when it comes to the overall value of Submariner 5513 watches is the type of dial that is fitted to them - which is something that is largely determined by their age. Not counting the ultra-rare and collectable Rolex MilSub and Explorer-style dials that can also be found on reference 5513 watches, there are 3 main generations of dials found on the Submariner 5513, and each one consists of dozens of sub-generations and variations. Other features such as crown-guard shape, bezel, hands, bracelet, overall condition, and certainly provenance can also significantly influence the value of reference 5513 Submariner watches. However, in the majority of instances it is often the dial that is the key detail responsible for one Submariner 5513 watch being worth several times the price of a different example from the same reference. Additionally, condition is another key factor that can play a significant role in determining the price of a Rolex Submariner 5513 watch. As they were regarded as high-end timing tools for divers rather than luxury items while they were in production, many reference 5513 watches saw rigorous underwater use and were lost, damaged, or destroyed over the years. Very few reference 5513 Rolex Submariner watches have managed to survive all these years and still be in mint condition, which means that such examples are worth a significant premium whenever they surface on the open market. Lastly, due to the hard lives that many Rolex Submariner 5513 watches lived, many have had their original components replaced over the years due to water ingress or impact damage. Rolex will replace worn/damaged components with their most current or updated equivalents, which means that an early-production example that receives water damage will have its original gilt dial replaced with a 'service dial' that will be of a later style. While both dials are genuine Rolex components, the difference in value between a Submariner 5513 watch with a service dial and one with an original gilt dial from the early 1960s can be well over $10,000. Underline Dial (1963-1964) One special type of gilt dial that was only produced for about a year or so during the mid 1960s is the 'Underline Dial' and these unique vintage dials can be found across watches from Rolex sports range that were produced during this transitional point in the brand's history. Characterized by a small horizontal line below the 'Submariner' name, it is believed that these 'Underline Dials' were marked with this subtle indicator to signify that they featured less radioactive tritium-based lume - although Rolex has yet to officially confirm this theory. Double Swiss Underline (1963) Another incredibly rare variation of gilt dial found on the reference 5513 Submariner is the 'Double Swiss Underline Dial' which was only fitted to Rolex Submariner watches for a short period of time in 1963. Like other Underline Dials, the Double Swiss Underline features a small horizontal line; however the line is placed below the 'Oyster Perpetual' text on the upper half of the dial. Additionally, at the very bottom of the dial, there will be two different 'Swiss' signatures - one located inside the chapter ring, and one that appears just below it along the very outer edge of the dial. Looking for a timeless and iconic timepiece that exudes
luxury and style? Look no further than the Rolex Submariner 5513 1963 PCG
underline. This vintage Rolex Submariner is a true masterpiece of
design and engineering, crafted with the finest materials and attention to
detail. The 5513 model was first introduced in 1962, and quickly became a
favorite among divers and watch enthusiasts around the world. This particular
model features the coveted " underline" on the dial, indicating its
early production of tritium and rarity. Crafted from durable stainless steel, the Rolex Submariner
5513 is a true testament to the brand's commitment to quality and precision. It
features a unidirectional rotating bezel, allowing for accurate timing of
dives, as well as a water-resistant Oyster case that can withstand depths of up
to 660 feet. The dial is simple and elegant, with luminous hour markers
and hands for easy visibility in low light conditions. The “ underline"
adds a unique touch of character and history, making this particular model a
must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Investing in a vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 1963 PCG
underline is not only a wise financial decision, but also a statement of
impeccable taste and style. This watch is a true work of art, combining form
and function in perfect harmony. So why settle for anything less than the best? Invest in the
timeless elegance and precision engineering of the Rolex Submariner 5513 1963
PCG underline today and experience the luxury and refinement that only a Rolex
can provide.