The Rolex 5513 "Big Triangle" reproduction copies a rare matte-dial Submariner from the early 1970s. The defining feature is an oversized tritium triangle at 12 o'clock, paired with two-line "SUBMARINER" and "5513" text on a no-date dial. A good copy can look close in photos. It is still a copy, with no Rolex movement, no collector premium and no genuine-parts history.
replica of rolex 5513 big triangle
What the nickname refers to
"Big Triangle" is collector shorthand, not an official Rolex name. On these dials the triangle at 12 is wider than the square and round plots at the other hour markers. The same period produced "Maxi" dials with larger plots all round, which is a different variant. Originals sit in steel 40 mm cases with a two-line 5513 dial and no date window.
Where reproductions match the original
- Dial print layout, with two lines above the hands and the depth rating below.
- Matte black finish with a printed minute track.
- 40 mm case shape, with drilled or non-drilled lugs depending on the version copied.
- Hour marker style matched to a specific dial mark, from plain plots to framed plots.
- Domed acrylic crystal profile.
Where reproductions fall short
- Lume color: copies use paint that looks evenly tan, while originals shift from cream to pumpkin across plots.
- Print sharpness: tritium-era text has slight texture, and copies print flat.
- Case finishing: lug bevels and crown guards lose definition on cheap cases.
- Movement: most copies use a generic automatic, not a Rolex calibre 1520.
- Hands: minute hand width and lume fill rarely match a specific dial mark.
Inspection checklist
- Place the watch under a neutral desk lamp and photograph the dial straight on.
- Compare the 12 o'clock triangle width against reference photos of the exact dial mark.
- Check that the triangle sits level and that its edges are not rounded.
- Look at the lume plots through a 10x loupe for uniform color across all markers.
- Read the depth rating text and confirm the letter spacing against your reference.
- Turn the bezel and check for back play and alignment at 12.
- Open the case back only if you own the watch, then identify the movement stamp.
- Time the watch over 24 hours to measure rate deviation.
Before you buy
A reproduction is legal to own in most places, but illegal to sell as genuine, and Rolex service centers will not touch it. Keep paperwork that states what the watch is. If a seller calls a copy a 5513 with no proof, walk away.