Why We Chose the Submariner: The Rolex 5513 (1988) as the Ultimate Collectors Prize
Some watches shout for attention. The Rolex Submariner 5513 just raises an eyebrow and lets its reputation do the talking.
Produced from 1962 to 1989, this classic dive watch spent nearly three decades proving that understatement can be power. By the time the 1988 models rolled off Rolex’s production line, the 5513 had evolved into something truly special — the final evolution before the Submariner turned modern, glossy, and a little bit flashier.
And yes, James Bond wore one.
The Spy’s Submariner
The 5513 earned cult status when Roger Moore’s Bond sported it in Live and Let Die (1973) — a gadget-packed version featuring a buzzsaw bezel and magnetic field generator. It was the perfect fit: tough, timeless, and effortlessly cool. (Sorry Omega fans, this is the spy’s Submariner.)
Even without MI6 upgrades, the 5513 remains the watch that defined the golden age of Rolex dive watches — pure function with a healthy dose of swagger.
The End of an Era
The 1988 Submariner 5513 represents the final chapter of this legendary reference. One year later, Rolex would retire it in favour of the sapphire-crystal 14060.
That makes the ’88 version a collector’s dream — the sweet spot where vintage design meets modern reliability. It’s the Sub that straddles two worlds: old-school toughness with just a hint of refinement sneaking in.
The Transitional Twist
Look closer at the dial and you’ll notice those white-gold surrounds framing the hour markers — a subtle upgrade from the matte dials of earlier decades. Collectors call these “transitional 5513s” because they bridge the gap between rugged vintage tool watches and the glossy, luxury-leaning Rolexes that came next.
It’s like the Submariner in its final form — the last of the divers before the suit-and-tie era began.
Tritium, Patina, and Personality
Under SWISS MADE, you’ll spot the cryptic “T<25” marking. That means tritium lume, a luminous compound that fades beautifully over time.
Fast-forward 35 years and those creamy hour plots now carry something modern watches can’t fake: character. Each 5513 ages differently, and collectors love that — it’s what they call “honest wear.”
Every nick, dent, and speck of patina is a story told in tritium and time. That’s what makes this prize special. You’re not just winning a Rolex; you’re winning your Rolex — one that’s lived a little.
Under the Radar — For Now
Despite its Bond connection, three-decade run, and legendary design, the Submariner 5513 is still shockingly underrated. It’s one of the last vintage Rolex models that you can still (just about) wear daily without needing a security detail.
Collectors love it because it balances heritage, wearability, and value — a rare trio in the world of six-figure hype pieces. It’s clean, it’s honest, and it’s the last Submariner that feels truly tool-watch tough.
Why Collectors Are Obsessed
The 5513’s simplicity makes it a magnet for detail nerds — and, unfortunately, fakers. That’s partly why it’s become a subculture all its own: collectors trading notes on coronet shapes, serif fonts, and the exact spacing between the letters on “Submariner.”
The irony? The watch was designed for divers, not microscope work. But that’s what happens when a tool watch becomes a legend.
The Verdict
The Rolex Submariner 5513 (1988) is more than just another vintage Rolex — it’s the Bond-era icon, the final true diver, and the collector’s quiet obsession.
It’s the watch that went from the ocean depths to the silver screen, collecting stories (and scratches) along the way.
Cool, understated, and endlessly collectible — everything a Fifty20 prize should be.
Feeling inspired? You could own a piece of Rolex history.
Our Rolex Submariner 5513 (1988) draw is now live — tickets are limited, and this one’s guaranteed to be a collector’s favourite.
Enter now for your chance to win the Submariner that defined an era.