When Jensen Ackles, the Supernatural veteran turned super-powered Soldier Boy in The Boys, appeared in GQ’s “10 Essentials” series, fans got a glimpse into the actor’s daily must-haves. Among the leather jackets, grooming products, and travel gear was one item he clearly treasures above all: his vintage Rolex Submariner 5513.
“This one doesn’t leave my wrist,” Ackles admitted. “If I don’t have a watch on, something’s wrong in the world.” For him, the Submariner is more than a timekeeper. It’s a symbol of permanence - mechanical precision in an unpredictable business.
To understand why the 5513 commands such affection, you have to look at its pedigree. Rolex launched the Submariner in 1953 as the first commercially available dive watch waterproof to 100 meters. By the time the 5513 debuted in 1962, the model had evolved into a tool watch refined enough for the wrists of explorers, military divers, and style icons.
The 5513 enjoyed one of the longest production runs in Rolex history - over 25 years - before being retired in 1989. Part of its allure lies in its purity. Unlike the more chronometer-certified 5512, the 5513’s dial simply read “Submariner” above the depth rating, giving it a clean, balanced aesthetic. Its plexiglass crystal added a warm, vintage distortion to the dial, and the aluminium bezel insert aged uniquely on each example, turning everything from charcoal grey to tropical brown.
It is a watch that wears its life story proudly - every nick in the bezel, every hairline mark on the case telling a tale. This isn’t a high-polish safe queen. It’s a companion.
For Ackles, the 5513’s appeal goes beyond heritage. In Hollywood, where luxury watches are often chosen for red carpets or photo shoots, his Submariner is a constant presence - a reliable, everyday partner that seamlessly adapts to both work and personal life.
It’s as fitting on the wrist of Dean Winchester behind the wheel of the Impala as it is on a promotional panel for The Boys, bridging the worlds of fiction and reality with effortless style.
And there’s something especially fitting about an actor known for playing rugged, principled (or at least principled-by-his-own-code) characters choosing a watch celebrated for its toughness and understated style. The 5513 is the opposite of a flashy, diamond-covered trophy piece - it’s quiet confidence in steel, a timeless emblem of resilience and character.
While today the Submariner is often seen as the quintessential luxury sports watch, in its early years it was very much a piece of professional equipment. The 5513 was tested in some of the most demanding environments, including by military units such as the British Royal Navy, whose “MilSub” variants have become collector holy grails.
Ackles’ version is likely a civilian piece, but the DNA is the same. Inside beats the Rolex Calibre 1520 or 1530, depending on the production year - both robust, workhorse movements designed for reliability over decades. The 200-meter water resistance was more than enough for professional diving in the era, and the rotating bezel allowed divers to track elapsed time underwater with simplicity and precision.
It’s easy to imagine Ackles appreciating that kind of dependability - not because he’s off spear-fishing between shoots, but because, like a good script, a great watch has to deliver without fuss.
One of the most compelling aspects of a vintage Submariner is how it changes with age. The lume on the dial and hands shifts from bright white to warm cream or yellow. The bezel fades, and the steel develops a softer, more worn-in look. No two examples are exactly alike, and each shows the marks of decades of use.
That individuality appeals to collectors, but also to owners who value a watch as a durable, everyday object. For Ackles, a father of three, it’s part of a collection of meaningful items - notes from his kids, mementos from roles, and his Submariner. The 5513 doesn’t just track hours; it’s a reliable companion, showing the wear and character that comes from regular use over time.
It’s worth noting that the Rolex Submariner has a long history on screen. From Sean Connery’s James Bond in the 1960s to Steve McQueen and Robert Redford, the watch has been associated with characters who project confidence and self-reliance. Ackles’ Soldier Boy - though far more morally questionable - draws on that same archetype: the all-American hero with a complicated past.
Off screen, the Submariner connects him to that lineage, but with a modern twist. In the cynical, hyper-violent satire of The Boys, Soldier Boy is the subversion of the traditional hero. The 5513, by contrast, remains authentic - a durable, well-regarded model that has earned its reputation over decades.
What makes the 5513 notable is its combination of history and practicality. Unlike watches designed primarily for show, it is built for everyday use, with a robust case and reliable movement. Its presence on Ackles’ wrist reflects a preference for substance over flash, a tool that works as well on set as it does off. In a landscape where style can often outweigh function, the 5513 stands out for its straightforward design, durability, and enduring appeal.
In an age when Rolex sports models are endlessly iterated upon, the vintage 5513 holds a special place. It’s pure Submariner DNA - no ceramic bezels, no bulky maxi cases, no oversized crowns. Just classic proportions, functional beauty, and the unmistakable balance of Rolex design from the 1960s and ’70s.
For collectors, the 5513 offers an entry into the golden age of Rolex tool watches without the astronomical price tags of rarer references like the “Red Sub” or the gilt-dial early models. For someone like Ackles, it’s not about chasing rarity for bragging rights - it’s about a watch that simply works, feels right, and earns its place on his wrist every day.
Jensen Ackles’ Rolex Submariner 5513 is more than just a celebrity watch spotting - it’s a window into how the right timepiece can transcend fashion, trend, and even role. It’s a watch built for real life, not just for show, and in Ackles’ case, that means late nights on set, travel across continents, and the quieter moments at home with his family.
The 5513’s legacy mirrors his own career: dependable, grounded, and quietly evolving while staying true to its core. As The Boys barrels toward its finale and Ackles takes on new roles, the Submariner will still be there - ticking away, patient and precise. In a business where everything can change overnight, that kind of constancy is priceless.
Because in the end, a good watch isn’t just about telling the time. It’s about keeping your time - every second of it.
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