The Rolex Submariner 5513 “Swiss Only” is one of those rare details in Rolex history that quietly separates the everyday from the extraordinary. Produced only for a fleeting moment at the very end of the 5513’s nearly three-decade run, this dial variation appeared around 1989–1990, just before the reference was discontinued. Instead of the familiar “Swiss–T<25” found on tritium dials or the later “Swiss Made” on modern pieces, these last examples bear a simple “SWISS” at 6 o’clock—signaling Rolex’s early adoption of Luminova lume, brighter and safer than its radioactive predecessor.

For collectors, this tiny word tells a big story: it marks the end of an era. The 5513 had long been celebrated for its pure, no-date symmetry and tool-watch spirit, and the “Swiss Only” dial captures its final chapter—a transitional piece standing between vintage tradition and modern innovation. We curate it not just for its rarity, but because it embodies a quiet, fascinating moment in Rolex’s evolution: the last breath of the vintage Submariner before the brand stepped fully into the modern age.

Model – Submariner
Reference – 5513
Year – 1989
Size – 40mm
Dial – Black
Case Material – Steel
Bracelet Material – Steel
Movement – Automatic
Power Reserve – 48hrs
Water resistance – 200m
Condition – 8/10
Accs – watch only
Remarks –