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This €10,000 vintage diving watch still makes collectors dream (and it's not about to stop)

An iconic diver's watch from the 1960s continues to fascinate watch enthusiasts. Despite a declining market, this legendary timepiece retains its appeal among collectors. Let's dive into the world of the Rolex Submariner 5513, a watch that marked the history of luxury watchmaking.

A watchmaking icon that spans the ages

Produced from 1962 to 1989, the Rolex Submariner 5513 has become a true benchmark in the world of watchmaking. Its timeless design and performance have made it the preferred choice of professional divers and lovers of beautiful objects alike.

Despite its age, it continues to attract collectors for several reasons:

  • Its iconic design which defined the aesthetic codes of modern diving watches
  • Its legendary robustness which allows it to go through the decades without aging a day
  • Its rich history makes it a true witness to the evolution of luxury watchmaking
  • A subtle evolution over the years

    While the overall design of the Submariner 5513 has remained remarkably stable over its three decades of production, subtle changes allow connoisseurs to distinguish between different “generations”:

    1. Gold dials (1962-1967): Recognizable by their shiny finish and gold indexes, these early models are particularly sought after.

    2. Matte dials (1967-1984): More readable and modern, they mark the entry of the watch into the industrial era.

    3. The brilliant dials (1984-1989): With their indexes surrounded by white gold, they announce the brand's “luxury” shift.

    The Oyster bracelet, a key element of the watch's identity

    The evolution of the Submariner 5513's Oyster bracelet reflects the technological advances of the time:

    1. Rivet bracelets (early 1960s): Light and flexible, they are appreciated for their comfort.

    2. Folded link bracelets (70s): A little more robust, they offer a good compromise between comfort and solidity.

    3. Full link bracelets (1980s): More modern and resistant, they herald the era of luxury sports watches.

    An evolving market, but still strong

    While the vintage watch market has seen a bit of a decline in recent years, the Submariner 5513 remains a safe bet:

  • Its average price has fallen by around 11.8% over the last 12 months.
  • Trading volume decreased by 29%
  • These figures, however, mask major disparities between models:

  • The gold dial versions sell on average for €35,600 more than the average
  • Matte dial versions are trading at €1,400 above the average price.
  • The shiny dial versions are slightly less valued (-€1,200 compared to the average)
  • A watch that retains all its appeal

    Despite the decline in the market, the Submariner 5513 retains many advantages:

  • Its timeless design which allows it to cross fashions
  • Its versatility makes it a watch suitable for all situations
  • Its rich history which appeals to collectors and enthusiasts
  • Experts agree that now is a good time to acquire this iconic model, with prices being more affordable than they were a few years ago.

    A watch that never ceases to fascinate

    Whether it’s your first collector’s watch or the centerpiece of your timepiece, the Rolex Submariner 5513 still has a bright future ahead of it. Its timeless charm and rich history make it an object of desire that transcends generations.

    As the luxury watch market continues to evolve, this legendary timepiece remains a safe choice for both seasoned collectors and novices alike. It embodies the very essence of luxury watchmaking: a perfect blend of performance, elegance and history.

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