1989 Rolex Submariner 5513 Last Generation “L” Serial

Up for grabs is a Rolex Submariner in steel

5513 reference

L6 serial number circa 1989 production

L series is the last year of production of reference 5513 before it changes to 14060 with sapphire crystal and new movement. 

Excellent vintage condition case with thick and even lugs. Serial and reference numbers are fully intact and clearly visible. 

Dial is original, glossy with cream patina on plots. No chips, scratches or cracking in lacquer (spidering). Hands are lighter in color, but are tritium and no longer glow in dark. 

Original bezel insert with tritium pearl. 

Bracelet is a Rolex 93150 with 11 links, moderate stretch from use, 580 ends, diver’s extension and correct O date code on clasp. 

The watch comes with Rolex boxes and manuals, as well as warranty papers. The box appears to be original to the watch as it has the 5513 sticker as well as serial number written on it. 

The papers, in my opinion, are hard to prove as original because the serial number was handwritten instead of printed or stamped. These papers are stamped with “757” for Caribbean Islands and also stamped by AD in St. Martin. The date and serial number were written at same time, by same person as the fonts match up clearly. The ink is faded and old but the paper itself is stamped as printed in 1986. Again, ultimately you should be the judge as its quiet possible the AD was using these papers for the watch, but I am not putting any significant premium on price. 

The manuals are dated in 1989, the calendar is 1990-1991 which matches the paper’s date of purchase.