Rolex Submariner No Date 5513 - Black Pallettoni Dial - Rare ‘Ricciardi’ Box and Warranty provenance

Introduced in 1959, the Rolex Submariner reference 5512 marked a defining moment in the evolution of Rolex’s professional diving watches, establishing many of the design elements that would become synonymous with the Submariner, including the 40 mm Oyster case and protective crown guards. In 1962, Rolex introduced the reference 5513, a non-chronometer-certified version that retained the essential architecture of its predecessor while offering a cleaner dial layout. Produced until 1989, the 5513 enjoyed an exceptionally long production run and has since become one of the most appreciated vintage Submariner references, admired for its timeless proportions, understated aesthetics and remarkable variety of dial configurations.

The present Rolex Submariner reference 5513 stands out for its particular dial, featuring the unusual combination of NON SERIF graphics and SERIF hour markers. This distinctive typographical contrast represents an intriguing variation within the reference’s extensive production history, appealing to collectors attentive to the subtle details that distinguish individual vintage Rolex watches. Preserved in excellent condition, the dial retains its original character and displays a beautiful, naturally developed patina on the hour markers, lending the watch a warm and authentic vintage appearance.

Further enhancing its appeal, the watch retains its original, period-correct folded-link Oyster bracelet, consistent with the configuration of Submariner examples from this era. Together with the uncommon dial and well-preserved overall condition, this detail reinforces the coherence and originality of the present example.

Of particular historical interest is the watch’s association with Joyeria Ricciardi S.A. of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a jewellery retailer connected to the distribution of prestigious timepieces in the South American market. Its significance to vintage Rolex collectors lies in the distinctive retailer inventory numbers applied to certain watches sold through the establishment. These manually engraved markings provide an intriguing link to the commercial history of individual timepieces, connecting them to the retailer through which they originally entered the market.

The present example retains hand-engraved Ricciardi catalogue numbers on the lower lug, an unusual detail that distinguishes it from other examples of the same reference. These engravings represent a noteworthy feature, reflecting the watch’s association with the retailer. 

The accompanying set is particularly compelling, comprising the original Rolex guarantee dated June 1975, the warranty holder and green tag, together with a rare Rolex presentation box personalised for Ricciardi. The survival of these elements alongside the retailer’s hand-engraved catalogue numbers creates a coherent ensemble, preserving several complementary aspects of the watch’s original commercial history. Such completeness is especially appealing in a vintage sports watch of this age, where the combination of original accessories and identifiable retailer provenance can add considerable interest for collectors.

Combining the NON SERIF graphics with SERIF hour markers dial, beautifully aged luminous material and original, period-correct components, this Rolex Submariner reference 5513 stands out as a particularly rare and compelling collector’s piece. Its significance is further elevated by the hand-engraved Ricciardi catalogue numbers on the lower right-hand lug, the original June 1975 guarantee and the rare presentation box personalised for the Buenos Aires retailer. The survival of these elements together, alongside the watch’s distinctive dial configuration, creates an unusually complete and historically coherent example, distinguished not only by its rarity but also by the remarkable story preserved in its details. For the discerning collector, this is a Submariner whose appeal extends well beyond its iconic design, offering a rare convergence of originality, provenance and period-specific character