Rolex Submariner ’Matte Dial No-Date Diver Classic’ – Reference 5513 (1979)

Heritage Narrative

The Rolex Submariner 5513 is the definitive no-date diver, produced from 1962 until the late 1980s and representing the purest expression of the Submariner’s tool-watch DNA. This 1979 example sits in the later part of the matte-dial era, a period prized for its tritium lume, painted markers, and the unmistakable warmth of a plexiglass crystal.

By the late 70s, Rolex had refined the 5513 into the balanced, iconic form that modern collectors adore: clean typography, reliable automatic movement, and the rugged 40 mm Oyster case engineered for professional underwater use. These late matte-dial configurations offer the best of vintage charm without drifting into the more unpredictable early-60s variations.

A 5513 with its original steel Oyster bracelet always feels “right,” and this example retains the tool-watch presence that made the Submariner the benchmark for every dive watch that followed.

Technical Specifications

Reference:
5513

Year:
1979

Movement:
Automatic Rolex calibre (Submariner no-date series), self-winding, centre seconds

Case:
40 mm stainless-steel Oyster case, brushed lugs with polished flanks

Bezel:
Unidirectional rotating bezel with black aluminium insert

Crystal:
Plexiglass (acrylic), domed profile

Dial / Hands:
Black matte dial with tritium hour markers, Mercedes hands with matching tritium aging

Bracelet / Clasp:
Stainless-steel Oyster bracelet with folding clasp

Water resistance:
20 ATM (factory rating)

Condition & Inclusions

Overall grade:
Vintage condition with natural, age-appropriate wear consistent with a late-70s 5513

Service status:
Running and tested; service history not documented

Set:
Watch only — no box, no papers

Shipping & Logistics

Shipped fully insured within 1–3 business days. Worldwide shipping available; buyer is responsible for any import duties or taxes.

Shipping & Returns

Complimentary insured worldwide shipping and a 14-day return window (watch must be returned in the same condition supplied). Each watch is authenticated, time-tested, inspected, and professionally packaged before dispatch. Returns are verified upon arrival before refund or store credit is issued.