5513 Submariner Bracelet Database

[JohnBaker3]

Hey All:

One of the great things about this website is that it is a great reference source for vintage Rolexes.

My primary focus right now is the 5513 Sub. I have been very frustrated trying to bring my watch back to original specs, especially when it came to the "correct" bracelet. It is tough to source a part if you don't know what the right one is...

For 1970, my watch very likely came with a C&I Rivet dated 70. If it was delivered anywhere besides the US, it might have come with a 7206 (?). Apparently the famous 9315 didn't show up until 1972 (?)....

Anyway, I would like to put out a call for anyone with solid info about a given year, and a confirmed bracelet for the 5513, to please post it. I will start a spreadsheet and make it available on the site as a permanent reference if it works out; in fact, if it is sucessful, I would even be willing to tackle other reference models (5512, 1680, 1675....) time willing.

So please keep it civil because I suspect there will be some controversy about this topic....but the final product should be something we could all be proud of....

Thanks in advance.

[Mark020]

Not too much controversy:

[Michael M.]

That chart above states that starting in 1971 5513's came with 93150's, which is incorrect.

Your watch would have likely originally been fitted with either a USA Rivet or 9315.

[JohnBaker3]

Thanks guys; we're making progress and as I predicted, there will be some discussion.

I agree that the 93150 didn't come along until much later in the series. I see it as the default piece on a lot of vintage watches. It wears well, is readily available, but it is not original to most vintage watches.

I will try to add the "correct" end links to the list (just another column) but it does add another level of complications....

Be safe.

[Mark020]

[JohnBaker3]

Mark:

Is your data for 1970? Without a year reference, it doesn't point me to what I'm looking for...the 5513 production run is from 1962 until 1990....

Thanks.

[Mark020]

Exact dates and Rolex is not a very good combo :-)

[springer]

The 593 end links are also used on the Oyster 93150 with the Submariner 16800 and the GMT 16760. It shows this end link/bracelet combination in other charts. I've also had a couple watches with this combination and had the RSC/Dallas replace a broken 593 in the past that was on a 16760.

[JohnBaker3]

http://www.timekeeperforum.com/forum...bracelet.4856/

Here is a link to some information of the C+I Riveted bracelet. They were made in the USA for Rolex to save some $$ on import taxes for watches sold here.

The USA band used hollow rivets vs the solid pins on the 7206 bracelet. Those were Swiss made and sold with watches destined for places other than here. Also, the end links were riveted to the bracelet as well; no extra fumbling when attaching the band to the lugs.

The oldest one I have seen was stamped 7-67; newest was stamped 7-77. I would therefore add the C+I bracelet as a difinite "correct" band for my 5513.

[JohnBaker3]

Hey Guys:

I just found a photo of a USA C+I Rivet Bracelet stamped "57" (as in 1957); seems that these puppies started even sooner that we thought.

Photo courtesy of HQ Milton.

[g-boac]

As a data point, my 5513 is a 1967 meters first, with a caseback production code of IV.67

It's on a 7206 bracelet with 80 endlinks, clasp date code stamped 2/68.

[JohnBaker3]

OK guys...I'm ready to throw in the towel. The idea of a complete spreadsheet is probable a waste of time.

Mark020 said it best: "Exact dates and Rolex is not a very good combo :-) "

His yellow sheet is a complete reference for the 5513 with the addition of the USA C+I Bracelets to that list.

I did have an interesting chat with Jacek over at HQ Milton on this topic. He added that in the old days (now vintage) the Rolex Dealers weren't as obligated to adhere to Rolex standards as they are today. He has purchased many Subs form the first owners with bracelets that were put on by the dealers at the time of sale. If the buyer requested, they could get pretty much anything that was "in the drawer" on that day. It would still be "original" to that watch, but hardly "correct" if we were trying to figure it out today.

Thanks again for everyone's input. Move along, nothing to see here....

[Shawnnyang]

Question for all the pros. Does anyone know if one of the new bracelets from the subcs will fit a 5513?

Many thanks to anyone who has tried.

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by Shawnnyang

Question for all the pros. Does anyone know if one of the new bracelets from the subcs will fit a 5513?

Many thanks to anyone who has tried.

Haven't tried it yet but here's what I would suspect:

1. 20 mm lugs.....OK

2. Holes/Spring Bar alignment with SEL .....not so good.

[Mark020]

+1. I think you need to find endlinks which will fit and the case and the bracelet. Official Rolex ones will not work I'm afraid.