The Rolex Submariner 5513 holds a legendary status among watch enthusiasts, but within its already storied history lies a particularly enigmatic variant: the Military Submariner. This isn't a formally designated model by Rolex themselves; rather, it's a designation applied to specific 5513s supplied to various military organizations, primarily the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), throughout the latter half of the 20th century. These watches, often subtly different from their civilian counterparts, are highly sought-after collectibles, commanding significant premiums in the vintage market. This article delves into the fascinating world of the Rolex Submariner 5513 Military, exploring its identifying features, variations, and the factors influencing its value.
Identifying the Military Submariner 5513:
Several key features distinguish the Military Submariner 5513 from standard production models. While no single characteristic definitively confirms a watch's military provenance, a combination of traits strongly suggests its use by military forces. The most readily identifiable feature is the modified dial. Instead of the standard "SWISS MADE" at the base of the dial, Military Submariners often feature a modified "SWISS" above the "T" in a circle, and "MADE" below. This "T" in a circle is the most commonly cited indicator, though other dial variations exist, making definitive identification complex.
Another crucial element is the text on the dial. While most civilian 5513s display "200m = 660ft," many Military Submariners only show "200 meters/660 ft" or even just "200 meters." The omission of the "=" symbol is a subtle but important distinction. The presence of a slightly larger font size for "200 meters" is another subtle variation sometimes seen on military examples. These seemingly minor differences are critical in establishing a watch's potential military history.
Beyond the dial, other characteristics can suggest a military origin. These are often less definitive but contribute to the overall picture:
* Hands: While not exclusive to military models, certain hand styles, particularly those with broader, more luminous surfaces, are more frequently associated with Military Submariners.
* Crown: The crown itself is not a definitive indicator, but the condition and wear patterns can offer clues. Heavy wear often points to a life of rugged use.
* Caseback: The caseback engravings, while often worn or erased, might reveal markings suggestive of military issue or specific serial numbers.
* Bracelet: While many Military Submariners were issued on standard bracelets, some might have been fitted with different straps depending on the specific military requirements.
Rolex Submariner 5513 Best Years:
The Rolex Submariner 5513 enjoyed a long production run, from the late 1950s to the mid-1980s. Pinpointing the "best years" is subjective and depends on collector preferences. However, some periods are particularly desirable due to specific dial variations, case characteristics, and overall condition of surviving examples. Generally, watches from the 1960s and early 1970s are highly sought after, often exhibiting desirable patina and dial variations. Later models, particularly those from the late 1970s and 1980s, are also valued, but often command lower prices due to their increased availability.
current url：https://jtgvht.e812z.com/guide/rolex-submariner-military-5513-66777