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Rolex Submariner 5512 vs 5513: Which Model is Right for You?
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What is the world’s most famous dive watch? I don’t have the answer, but I’m certain the Rolex Submariner is somewhere near the top of the list. It’s a model that’s far from just some reliable dive watch – although it’s certainly that too – but a cultural icon and one of the most highly collectible timepieces of all time.
The Rolex Submariner is not new, having launched back in 1953, so as you’d expect, there’s a plethora of old and new models out there. But if you were to ask me, two of the most iconic models in the Submariner’s lineup are the references 5512 and 5513.
These vintage classics represent the golden age of Rolex’s dive watches, and while they may look nearly identical at first glance, there’s a lot hiding beneath the surface that sets them apart.
Both models feature the signature 40mm stainless steel case, crown guards, rotating bezel, and time-only black dials that define the early Submariner aesthetic. They also share the robust acrylic crystals that marked the pre-sapphire era, making them quintessential vintage pieces.
But the 5512 and 5513 are different in more ways than you might expect. So, if you’re wondering what the differences are between the Rolex Submariner 5512 and 5513 and you’re deciding which vintage model to get for yourself, we suggest you keep reading…
The Rolex Submariner 5512
The Rolex Submariner 5512 is an important model in the history of the Swiss watchmaker, as it marked a rather major turning point in both the design and functionality of the Submariner collection. Introduced in 1959, the 5512 was the first Submariner to feature crown guards, a bold innovation that set the stage for the modern dive watch as we know it.
Before the 5512, Submariners lacked protective shoulders around the winding crown, leaving it vulnerable to damage from accidental knocks. By adding crown guards, Rolex not only made the Submariner more durable but also expanded the case size from 38mm to 40mm, giving the watch its iconic proportions.
What makes the 5512 even more fascinating is the evolution of its crown guard design. Early models were fitted with square crown guards, a style Rolex quickly abandoned due to its impracticality and aesthetics.
Next came the pointed crown guards, which were produced until 1963, when the more familiar rounded crown guards were introduced. These variations, particularly the rare square and pointed crown guards, are highly prized by collectors today.
The Submariner 5512 was also notable for its technical advancements. Early examples were powered by the Caliber 1530 movement, which was not chronometer-certified. These models also featured dials with only two lines of text indicating the water resistance and the Submariner name.
However, this changed when Rolex transitioned to the Caliber 1560 and later the Caliber 1570, both chronometer-certified movements. With this upgrade, the dials gained two additional lines of text to indicate the watch’s chronometer status, creating the now-famous “four-line” dial.
Aesthetically, the 5512 is a quintessential vintage Submariner. Its stainless steel case is robust and functional, while the rotating bezel with a black aluminum insert provides a practical 60-minute scale for divers.
Early models featured gilt-gloss dials, which were later replaced by matte dials, marking the shift from a more decorative to a more utilitarian look. The luminous markers on the dials were initially made with radium, but Rolex eventually transitioned to tritium for safety reasons.
The Rolex Submariner 5512 was in production for an impressive two decades, officially ceasing in 1978. Over its lifespan, it remained a watch designed with professional divers in mind but gained popularity far beyond the diving community. Today, its enduring appeal lies in its perfect balance of vintage charm, technical innovation, and historical significance.
The Rolex Submariner 5513
The Rolex Submariner 5513 was launched a couple of years later, in 1962, as the sibling to the 5512. While the two models appear nearly identical at a glance, the 5513 carved out its own legacy as the non-chronometer-certified version of Rolex’s iconic dive watch.
This distinction was reflected in its use of the Caliber 1530 and later the Caliber 1520, both of which were simpler, non-chronometer movements. By comparison, the 5512, with its chronometer-certified calibers, bore additional text on its dial proclaiming its superior precision.
The dial of the 5513 is one of its defining features. Early examples sported the minimalist two-line configuration, emphasizing the Submariner name and depth rating, giving it a clean and understated appearance.
These early models also featured gilt-gloss dials, a hallmark of the era, and were fitted with pointed crown guards, a design shared with the 5512 of the same period. As production continued, Rolex transitioned to matte black dials with painted hour markers and, later still, glossy black dials with white gold surrounds on the markers.
In terms of the case and bezel, the 5513 retained the 40mm stainless steel construction that has become synonymous with the Submariner. Its rotating bezel, featuring a black aluminum insert with a 0-60-minute scale, also remained, as did the watch’s acrylic crystal glass and the luminous material on its dial and hands, which shifted from radium in the earliest examples to the safer tritium in later models.
The 5513’s longevity is another remarkable aspect of its history. While the 5512 ceased production in the late 1970s, the 5513 continued to be manufactured until 1989, making it one of the longest-running Submariner references.
This extended production period means that collectors can often find a wide range of variations, from early gilt dials with rare features to later models with more contemporary design elements.
The Rolex Submariner 5513 is also well known for its cultural significance. It was famously worn by Sean Connery’s James Bond in Dr. No and Goldfinger, cementing its status as an icon not just of horology but also of popular culture. This association with 007 has only added to its allure among vintage watch enthusiasts.
Rolex Submariner 5512 vs 5513 – How to Choose
When deciding between the Rolex Submariner 5512 and 5513, you’re faced with two iconic models that look incredibly similar at first glance.
However, as we’ve touched on already, there are some key differences under the surface that can guide your choice. So what exactly sets these two vintage Submariners apart, and which one will suit your needs best?
Movement: Chronometer vs. Non-Chronometer
The most significant difference between the Rolex Submariner 5512 and 5513 lies in their movements. The Submariner 5512 was fitted with chronometer-certified movements, starting with the Caliber 1560 and later the Caliber 1570.
These movements met Rolex’s exacting standards for precision, which is why the 5512 dials bear the “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” text, also known as the “four-line dial.”
In contrast, the 5513 was designed as a simpler, non-chronometer version. It began with the Caliber 1530 and transitioned to the Caliber 1520. Its dials feature only two lines of text, giving it a cleaner and more understated appearance.
While the differences in performance may not be noticeable to a casual wearer, collectors often place a premium on the chronometer status of the 5512.
Rarity and Availability
The production periods of these models also contribute to their differences in rarity. The 5512 was introduced in 1959 and discontinued in 1978, giving it a relatively shorter production run. This means fewer 5512 examples exist in the market today, making it a rarer and more exclusive choice.
The 5513, on the other hand, enjoyed a much longer production run from 1962 to 1989. As a result, it’s often easier to find a 5513 in various conditions and configurations, offering more options for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Aesthetics and Design
Both the Rolex Submariner 5512 and 5513 share the classic 40mm stainless steel case, rotating bezel with a black aluminum insert, and vintage acrylic crystal. Early examples of both models feature gilt-gloss dials and pointed crown guards, while later iterations transitioned to matte dials with painted markers and, eventually, glossy dials with white gold surrounds.
The main visual difference lies in the dial text: the 5512’s four-line dial versus the 5513’s simpler two-line configuration. This distinction makes the 5512 feel slightly more technical and prestigious, while the 5513 offers a cleaner, minimalist aesthetic that other collectors will prefer.
Price Considerations
The chronometer-certified 5512 has historically been more expensive than the 5513 owing to its higher level of technical achievement and shorter production run. However, the price gap can also depend on the specific model variation, condition, and rarity.
Early examples with gilt dials or unique features like square crown guards can command significant premiums, regardless of the reference.
For the budget-conscious collector, the 5513 may present a more accessible entry point into the world of vintage Submariners. Its longer production run means there’s a greater variety of options, from early gilt-dial models to later glossy-dial versions.
Which One Should You Pick?
Deciding between the Rolex Submariner 5512 and 5513 ultimately comes down to your personal priorities as a collector or enthusiast.
Each model offers unique qualities that cater to different tastes and preferences, making this choice a matter of what you value most in a vintage watch.
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If exclusivity and technical prowess top your list, the Rolex Submariner 5512 is going to be the better fit for you. With its chronometer-certified movement and the coveted “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” text on its dial, the 5512 stands as a testament to Rolex’s precision and attention to detail.
Its shorter production run also adds an element of rarity, making it a sought-after piece for collectors who prioritize historical significance and exclusivity.
On the other hand, the Rolex Submariner 5513 is ideal for those drawn to simplicity and timeless design. Its two-line dial offers a clean, minimalist aesthetic that has a charm all of its own.
It also had a longer production run spanning nearly three decades, so it provides plenty more options to collectors, so you have more chance of choosing from early gilt-dial examples to later glossy-dial variations.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Rolex Submariner 5512 and 5513 is a decision that reflects your unique priorities as a collector or enthusiast. Each model holds its own special place in the history of Rolex, offering distinct characteristics that make them both highly desirable.
The 5512 stands out with its chronometer-certified movement and rarity, while the 5513 captures attention with its clean, timeless design and wide-ranging options.
Owning either reference is a privilege, as both showcase the unparalleled craftsmanship and enduring appeal that has defined Rolex for generations.
For many, myself included, these two references mark the end of the classic vintage Submariner era. Being able to glance at your wrist and be reminded of this—especially when so many others are choosing modern-day Rolex Submariners—is truly a special experience.
With the insights shared here, you’re now equipped to choose the Rolex Submariner that aligns best with your personal tastes and values. The 5512 and 5513 each bring something unique to the table, and either one would make a remarkable addition to any collection
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