1987 Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 “Cigarette 1 Boats” Logo Dial

Up for grabs is a Rolex Submariner No-Date

Reference 5513 with 40mm case, acrylic crystal

9.5 serial number circa 1987 production with correct glossy dial

This is the “Cigarette 1” logo dial piece. For those unfamiliar with this logo, it has nothing to do with tobacco products, but rather is a logo for the Cigarette Racing boats.

In the early 1960’s Donald Aronow, a boat designed and racer, built his first boat with long hull design and christened it “The Cigarette”. The thought the long, sleek look of the boat resembled a cigarette, and this distinction went on to replace the older term, “rum runner.” He founded Cigarette Racing, which became a poplar brand for racing boats, but also gained its notoriety by being popular with illegal cargo smugglers, which also let to government contracts to create the Blue Thunder catamarans which were used by the US Customs guys trying to catch the smugglers. Don sold the company in 1982, but the brand lives on even today, using the same logo we see on this Rolex Submariner. Furthermore, the term “cigarette boat” became mainstream for any boat with similar designs.

Several of these watches have surfaced over the years, almost all were mid-late 80’s reference 5513’s and a gold 16808 out there. It seems like each dealer or seller had a slightly different story as well. Some stories claim that the watch was given to them as a gift after purchasing a special boat, others claim it was given out by the owner of Cigarette Racing to winning a race. Until I find one of these directly from the original owner and get some provenance, I cannot tell you exactly why there were made, but the fact remains that they do exsist and is another example Rolex and motor racing histories colliding.

Excellent vintage condition case with thick lugs, previously polished. Fully legible numbers between the lugs.

The dial is original, glossy without spider or matting. Very attractive patina on plots. The hands were replaced during past service and still briefly glow.

Original bezel insert with correct fonts, though the bezel pip was also replaced.

Original Rolex 93150 bracelet with 580 ends, 11 links, diver’s extension, correct V date code, tight condition.

No box or papers. The watch comes with Rolex service travel pouch and RSC warranty card from 2020.