Buying coffee this morning. The barista had a Submariner 5513 on her wrist. No date, matte dial, faded bezel insert. Looked like a 1970s example.
I asked about it. Her grandfather bought it new in 1974. Wore it every day for 40 years. Now she wears it every day.
No box, no papers, no service history documented. Just 50 years of life on one wrist and then another.
That 5513 has seen more than most of us ever will. It probably cost €200 in 1974. Today, even in that condition, it’s worth €12,000-15,000. But she’ll never sell it.
This is what watch collecting should be about. Not flipping, not investment, not social media flexing. Just a good watch living its life across generations.
Made my whole day.