Submariner Maxi Dial

Rolex Submariner – Ref. 5513 “Maxi Dial” (1979)

The Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 is one of the most iconic vintage sports watches ever produced. Introduced in the early 1960s and remaining in production for more than two decades, the reference evolved through numerous dial variations that today form an important field of collecting in their own right. This circa 1979 example belongs to the highly desirable Maxi Dial generation, characterized by its oversized luminous hour plots and beautifully balanced matte-black dial.

Case

The classic stainless-steel Oyster case measures approximately 40 mm in diameter and features crown guards, a screw-down crown and caseback, and the characteristic rotating black diving bezel.

The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal, an important element of the warm and distinctly vintage appearance of the ref. 5513.

Dial

The highlight of this example is its matte black Maxi dial, distinguished by the substantially larger tritium hour plots that gave this family of dials its collector nickname.

Maxi dials appeared during the later matte-dial period of the ref. 5513 and are generally divided by collectors into several executions according to details such as the position of the SUBMARINER signature, depth rating, typography and placement of the luminous plots.

The simple two-line dial and absence of a date complication give the 5513 the clean, highly legible appearance for which vintage no-date Submariners are particularly appreciated.

Movement

Powered by the automatic Rolex calibre 1520, a robust 26-jewel movement operating at 19,800 vibrations per hour. The calibre 1520 was the principal movement used in later ref. 5513 watches and is known for its straightforward, durable construction.

Bracelet

Fitted with a Rolex Oyster stainless-steel bracelet.

Condition

Very nice overall vintage condition with signs of wear consistent with age. The movement runs accurately. In-house revision in June 2026.