The Rolex Submariner is one of the most highly prized timepieces in horological history. This is why the Rolex Vintage Submariners are such hot commodities by watch collectors. The Submariner was launched in 1953. It comes with Oystersteel.
Rolex Vintage Submariners
The Rolex Vintage Submariner 5512 was first introduced in 1958 and was produced until 1978, and the Vintage Submariner 5513 was introduced in 1962 and continued to be made until 1989. These were fairly long productions and so there were quite a few timepieces made during this span.
The 5512 actually continued to be manufactured past 1978 if you consider the reference 1680 is really just a 5512 with a date aperture at 3 o’clock and a cyclops lens on the crystal. Other than that, it is essentially the same watch. In 1989, the Submariner reference 14060 was based almost entirely on the 5513, but had the upgraded caliber 3000 and a sapphire crystal.
At first glance the Rolex Submariner 5512 and 5513 appear identical. After all, they do have the same bezel and dial color (black on black) with an oyster bracelet. And, when it comes down to the differences, these are actually very minimal.
The 5513 only had two lines of text on the bottom portion of the dial ( Submariner and the depth rating). In contrast, the 5512 had four lines of text on the bottom portion of the dial ( Submariner, the depth rating, and the words “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified”).
In addition, one of the biggest differences between the Submariner 5512 and 5513, is the fact that the 5512 is chronometer tested, and the 5513 is not.
Both timepieces started out with a caliber 1530 movement, but later were outfitted with the 1560 or 1570 calibers. The 5513 also represented the 1520 caliber shortly after its initial release. In terms of differences between movements, there really isn’t much difference.
The differences are so minimal that collectors don’t really even care much about them when sizing up a Sub to buy. They instead look at features like the coloring of the aged patina on the luminescent hour markers, and whether or not there is writing on the black dial. Scratches, dents, and other items are looked at closely and help determine whether a vintage submariner will go for $17,000 or $50,000.
Clearly the vintage Submariner 5512 is more valuable to collectors today than the 5513 due to its lower production and older age. However, it is probably easier to find a vintage 5513 in better overall shape and it might be a better investment for the long term.
The 5512 was released with a 40 mm case size which is bigger than the 38 mm case sizes of previous models. It also featured the crown guards on either side of the winding crown. That feature remains on Submariners today.
Rolex is slow to make changes to their timepieces. However, it is interesting to see that Rolex did tinker with certain features. For example, the 5512 featured square crown guards in 1959 on some models and Eagle Beak Crown guards on others in that same year. From then, Rolex started producing the 5512 with pointed crown guards until 1963. From 1963 to 1980 the crown guards took on a more rounded shape.
The 5512 dial carried a glossy black dial with gilt writing between 1959 and 1966. From ’67 – 1980 the dial changed to a matte black dial with white text.
Early 5512 watches had a non-chronometer certified movement. However, when Rolex added a certified movement, it started adding the words “Superlative Chronometer” and Officially Certified” to each dial above the 6 o’clock position.
The caliber 1530 only was added to the 5512 in 1959. Then it supported the caliber 1560 until 1965. The 1570 caliber was added between ’65 and ’72. In 1972, the 1570 was enhanced to add the seconds hacking feature that most Rolex owners love.
Although the dial says it supports 660 feet, the notation on the 5512 swapped from 200m = 660ft to 660ft = 200m in 1967.
The luminescent was made from tritium. So, over time the aging timepieces start to take on a new patina – a yellowish hue that collectors love for its antique nature.
Rubber B has an extensive array of vulcanized rubber bands for the vintage Submariner. All of Rubber B’s bands are made with exceptional care in Switzerland.
The Classic Series, is a product that has 8 different color designs and it supports the original clasp that came with the timepiece itself. It also provides a tight fit to the vintage Submariner case.
The Tang Buckle Series also has 8 different color options, but provides a strong 316L steel tang buckle instead of the original clasp.
The Velcro Series only has a black color band, but it is unique. The band not only has some of the most powerful Velcro material made, but it has a titanium loop which gives the band terrific strength.
The Rubber Cuff Series is the newest product by Rubber B. It gives a look and feel of actual fabric, but is actually made of 100% vulcanized rubber. This watch band provides a tang buckle and also separates the wrist from touching the Rolex case similar to a NATO strap. Rubber B currently offers 3 color options for the Rubber Cuff Series.
