Rolex Submariner ref 5513 Tropical Meter First Dial

Available for sale

Rolex Submariner 5513 Meter First Tropical: When rarity meets the magic of colors.
If you are passionate about vintage watches, you will have heard of the Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 with Meter First dial at least once. But what makes this watch so special? Let’s find out together!
A leap in time: the birth of matte dials
In 1966, Rolex revolutionized the Submariner 5513 line by switching to matte black dials, abandoning the glossy ones with gold lettering. This is where the famous “Meters First” inscription comes into play: on the matte dials of that year, the depth in meters (“200 m”) precedes that in feet (“660 ft”). A minor detail? Not really. For collectors, it is a true signature of the era.

Meter First: the rarity everyone is looking for
These matte dials, known as “Meters First,” are increasingly difficult to find in perfect condition. But there’s more: some of them, thanks to a chemical reaction and the passage of time, transform and become “tropical.” The deep black of the dial shifts toward shades of chocolate, caramel, and coffee. An effect that captivates the eye and makes each piece unique.
The tropical phenomenon: one in a hundred thousand.
What causes this metamorphosis? A rare combination of pigments, exposure to light, climate, and materials. Only a few matte Submariner 5513 Meter First watches have developed this warm and vibrant “patina,” while maintaining legibility and beauty. Finding a tropical watch in excellent condition is a real feat: a treasure hunt that keeps true collectors awake at night.

Losing yourself in the dial: magic under the sun
Looking at a tropical dial in sunlight is a fascinating experience. The black glows with chocolate tones, the surface vibrates and tells stories, every reflection becomes poetry. It is easy to understand why these watches have become cult objects: they are pieces on which time has left an indelible mark.
The Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 Meter First tropical is not only a rare watch, it is the perfect synthesis of technique, beauty, and mystery. Those who own it know that they have in their hands not only a piece of history, but also a small work of art, unique and unrepeatable. And while the light transforms every detail of the dial, the dream of finding one remains alive for every lover of vintage watchmaking.

Rolex Rolex Submariner ref 5513 Tropical Meter First Dial
Serial 17462**, 1968

Case:
Steel in very good condition
Serial and reference are perfectly visible between the lugs

Dial:
original Rolex meter first dial turned brown
in perfect condition

Case back:
original Rolex 5513
in very good condition

Bracelet:
Oyster bracelet ref. 7206/80
clasp 1 67

Accessories: none

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