Exceeded Expectations: My time with the 5512 and 5513

[Beaumont Miller II]

Until just recently, every Rolex that I had purchased had two things in common. First, they all were stainless steel, and second, they all had a date function. Every time I sign my name at work, I have to date and time my signature. For me having a watch without a date function, just didn't make sense. Well, I must tell you just how much I enjoy wearing these 2 watches. The dials on these watches are so clean and simple. What's not to love? No date function? Who needs the date on the watch when I can remember it in my head, right? With no date wheel there is no need for the cyclops on the crystal as well. The result is a very balanced look to the watch face. Furthermore, with only two lines of print, the 5513 dial looks downright spartan... like a Porsche Speedster with side curtains instead of roll up windows. If the 5512 were a car, I doubt it would even come with seatbelts. Continuing the analogy, just as every Porsche 997 can trace its roots to the 356, every 116610 with maxi case, superluminova dial and hands, white gold surrounds, and ceramic bezel insert can trace its roots to the matte dialed 5512 and 5513. Wearing them makes me think of times past when things were less complicated, where the most important thing was wearing a waterproof watch that could keep track of the elapsed time under water. Other than that not much else mattered. I know I am a little late to appreciate the attributes of these iconic watches, but better late than never. I would be interested to know if anyone else has had their expectations blown away by their vintage purchase.

[dddrees]

Very nice, I think I like the 5512 the best.

[greekbum]

Nice looking watches

[Frogman4me]

Well John if I had that 5512 4 liner I would be happy as well! Love that watch.

I agree when I wear my Tudor 7016 with no date function its quite nice not having to set the date, especially when I wear my DRSD and 1680 3-4 times a month combined. Changing those dates can take 10 minutes!

[Jagatai]

I loved reading your ode to the no date subs!!!

Great examples of the classics you have in your collection.

[HL65]

Great pair of classic Subs!! Understated Rolex greatness....

[bluemartinifan]

John, you know I am a 5513 lover.

The Porsche / Rolex comparison is one I use often with friends - who look at my 5513 circa 1967 and can't believe it's 44 yrs old. Both Porsche and Rolex created an initial product design concept and never strayed too far from it. That is RARE for a company to have the guts and vision to stick to their original design concept.

[S52]

what exactly is the difference between a 5512 and a 5513?

[lupus]

2 lines on the dial :)

[Beaumont Miller II]

The 5512 has a chronometer rated movement while the 5513 does not.

[Dweller of the Sea]

5513 was my first Rolex love, and I still thinks its their best design ever.
I also like that the still can be used today, as they were intended 50 years ago. You need a steamroller to destroy a 5513/12.

If it was good enough for him......




....its good enough for me

[Dan2010]

I agree. Though I have the 14060M, all the Submariners are awesome for their simplicity, classic design and their ruggedness. Not having the date makes the dials look perfect.

[Jagatai]

I fell in love with the no date sub the moment I tried on a 14060 in person.
I have a small wrist so a 14060 looks like a DSSD on me.

Then I purchased my first vintage, a '66 5512, so pleased with the slimmer profile and it just oozed simplicity , balanced dial and sexy with the lugs slightly tapering towards the bracelet. Superdome crystal knocked me out. After that I lusted after a maxi 5513 and found an excellent example from our very own jedly. It was just what I wanted to complement my patina'd 5512: the insert and dial lightly grayish and the lumes snow white. And the case size is in between the small 5512 and the big 14060.

I now wear the 5513 daily. The 5512 is with Bob Ridley. The 1993 14060 I wear in the rain.

[hennabav]

Congrats John!! It's very nice!!

[skyedog]

Well said John! what a lovely duo you have!

[Beaumont Miller II]

Originally Posted by Dweller of the Sea

5513 was my first Rolex love, and I still thinks its their best design ever.
I also like that the still can be used today, as they were intended 50 years ago. You need a steamroller to destroy a 5513/12.

If it was good enough for him......




....its good enough for me

That is one of the cleanest nicest matte dialed 5513 that I have ever seen.

[Submarino]

Love the 5512 four liner. Beautiful!!!

[Beaumont Miller II]

Originally Posted by Jagatai

I fell in love with the no date sub the moment I tried on a 14060 in person.
I have a small wrist so a 14060 looks like a DSSD on me.

Then I purchased my first vintage, a '66 5512, so pleased with the slimmer profile and it just oozed simplicity , balanced dial and sexy with the lugs slightly tapering towards the bracelet. Superdome crystal knocked me out. After that I lusted after a maxi 5513 and found an excellent example from our very own jedly. It was just what I wanted to complement my patina'd 5512: the insert and dial lightly grayish and the lumes snow white. And the case size is in between the small 5512 and the big 14060.

I now wear the 5513 daily. The 5512 is with Bob Ridley. The 1993 14060 I wear in the rain.

Sounds like some big No Date Sub Love going on here. I can't wait to see pics of your 5512 when you get it back from Bob.

[YetiBiker]

Couldn't agree with your sentiments more John. The simplicity of a no date Sub is sublime. It is an understated sophistication that you elicidated well

[michel33]

Originally Posted by YetiBiker

Couldn't agree with your sentiments more John. The simplicity of a no date Sub is sublime. It is an understated sophistication that you elicidated well

+ 1, these subs are so nice....

[Beaumont Miller II]

Now we're talking. Great looking watches. Thanks for posting the pics. Those faded inserts are awesome.

[Clay]

Non date subs........FABULOUS!!!

[Paulie 50]

Great pair of watches, made when Rolex were at their Zenith ( pardon the pun ) I have used this phrase many, many times on this forum; "truly iconic"

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

Until just recently, every Rolex that I had purchased had two things in common. First, they all were stainless steel, and second, they all had a date function. Every time I sign my name at work, I have to date and time my signature. For me having a watch without a date function, just didn't make sense. Well, I must tell you just how much I enjoy wearing these 2 watches. The dials on these watches are so clean and simple. What's not to love? No date function? Who needs the date on the watch when I can remember it in my head, right? With no date wheel there is no need for the cyclops on the crystal as well. The result is a very balanced look to the watch face. Furthermore, with only two lines of print, the 5513 dial looks downright spartan... like a Porsche Speedster with side curtains instead of roll up windows. If the 5512 were a car, I doubt it would even come with seatbelts. Continuing the analogy, just as every Porsche 997 can trace its roots to the 356, every 116610 with maxi case, superluminova dial and hands, white gold surrounds, and ceramic bezel insert can trace its roots to the matte dialed 5512 and 5513. Wearing them makes me think of times past when things were less complicated, where the most important thing was wearing a waterproof watch that could keep track of the elapsed time under water. Other than that not much else mattered. I know I am a little late to appreciate the attributes of these iconic watches, but better late than never. I would be interested to know if anyone else has had their expectations blown away by their vintage purchase.

Surely awesome watches and great writeup...great for long relaxed holidays too I guess when you wouldn't really want know the date.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by michel33

+ 1, these subs are so nice....

Great collection there!

[bluemartinifan]

John, I must keep this thread going - too much fun seeing everyones no date vintage subs

[Beaumont Miller II]

Russ always great to see that beauty again.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by bluemartinifan

John, I must keep this thread going - too much fun seeing everyones no date vintage subs

Great one Russ!

[johnkszabo]

Awesome pair!!

[Michael M.]

Love that 5512!!!