Rolex Submariner 5513 with Cream Colored Matte Dial on Oyster

Produced from 1962 to 1989, the Rolex Submariner Reference 5513 is the longest-running and most beloved Submariner in the history of the brand. For 27 years, Rolex saw no reason to change it in any fundamental way, and that is perhaps the most eloquent testimony to the perfection of its design. This example, dating to 1965, belongs to the transitional era of the reference: the gilt dial period is drawing to a close, and the watch carries one of the most striking and sought-after dial configurations in the entire 5513 family, a cream-colored matte dial whose warm, aged patina is the unmistakable mark of a watch that has lived through six decades with its character fully intact.

Key Specifications

Reference	5513
Year	1965
Case	Stainless steel, 40 mm, Oyster construction, acrylic crystal
Bezel	Rotating, matte black insert
Dial	Matte black, cream-colored aging patina, Meters First depth rating (200m = 660ft), applied dot and baton indices
Hands	Mercedes hands, original
Movement	Automatic, Rolex Caliber 1530, 25 jewels
Bracelet	Oyster, stainless steel, original period-correct

Collector's Note

The cream-colored patina on this dial is one of the most discussed and admired phenomena in vintage watch collecting. It is the result of decades of natural aging of the original lacquer and luminous material, and it cannot be replicated or artificially induced. A dial that has developed this warm, even cream tone is a dial that has never been refinished or tampered with, and its presence is one of the most reliable indicators of a completely original, unrestored watch.

The Caliber 1530 powering this example is the movement that defined the early 5513. Equipped with a Breguet overcoil, KIF shock absorbers, and a microstella regulating system, it is a movement of exceptional quality and longevity. The Meters First depth rating inscription places this watch firmly in the pre-1969 production window, before Rolex reversed the text order for the American market, making it one of the earlier and more historically significant configurations of the reference.

Why Buy From Us

Over 40 years of experience in the world of fine watches, backed by an outstanding reputation among collectors and dealers worldwide. Ask anyone about us.
Based in Miami, with an additional office in Europe.
Lifetime guarantee of authenticity on every watch we sell.
Every watch is thoroughly inspected and tested before being offered for sale.
Free overnight shipping throughout the United States.
Immediate refund in accordance with our return policy.