Just a used Rolex

[Peashooter45]

Hi, newb's first post. I appreciate all the information I've gleaned from this forum. The world of Rolex sure seems to have change since I took my first steps into the brand. While we're waiting to hear the conclusion of Narembeen's saga, I thought I'd introduce myself by means of my own Rolex story. I scrubbed my sausage fingers before taking the pics.

In '92, I earned a nice promotion while working in Europe. Part of an 8 year project that took me across most of the continent. Having lusted over the brand for much of my young life, I thought it would be a nice reward. Unfortunately, even at that time, they were still just beyond what I could justify for a watch. The AD, a very well regarded jeweler in my home town, pointed me towards a used Submariner in what looked to me like as new condition for less than half the $2,300 price of a new one. Anyone remember carrying a checkbook? I had finally joined the club.

It turns out to be a 5513/1530 SN 422XXXX which should put it around 1976? I never would have guessed the value would have increased like it has. Not that it matters, it represents far more in memories and will be passed down. Hopefully, it never leaves the family.

After 20 years of daily wear, 2 trips to the RSC and spending the last 10 years in the safe (family obligations put another trip to the RSC at a low priority) it is finally on it's way to Rolliworks and then back to (much more gentle) daily service. I chose Rolliworks based on all the recommendations here.

Next time I'll tell you about my $4,500 NIB 16520A from '95. I had to wait 2 month months for that thing.

[Kingface66]

Welcome aboard. Though, the dial isn't from 1976. The "SUBMARINER" above the depth rating didn't appear until around 1979. Plus, it looks like there might be white gold surrounds on the indices, which would put it even later.

[BrazenC5]

Great story, love the comment on the 2 month wait for the Daytona. How times have changed.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

[Peashooter45]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Welcome aboard. Though, the dial isn't from 1976. The "SUBMARINER" above the depth rating didn't appear until around 1979. Plus, it looks like there might be white gold surrounds on the indices, which would put it even later.

Yep, the first trip to the RSC was in the late '90's. The "upgrade" to the new dial and hands seemed pretty cool at the time. If I knew then....

They've been on there so long now that I wouldn't recognize it without. In the end, to me, it's not about the market value anyway.

[MrChamfers]

Originally Posted by Peashooter45

Yep, the first trip to the RSC was in the late '90's. The "upgrade" to the new dial and hands seemed pretty cool at the time. If I knew then....

They've been on there so long now that I wouldn't recognize it without. In the end, to me, it's not about the market value anyway.

haha, too true. And when all of the dials and hands from the 60's and 70's are flaking away, your dial and hands will still look new.

[harry in montreal]

You had good taste. You can’t really teach good taste, but you have it !

[Burr]

What a great first luxury watch! If only I was as smart as you were haha

[Peashooter45]

Originally Posted by BrazenC5

Great story, love the comment on the 2 month wait for the Daytona. How times have changed.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

I still have the box and papers for the Daytona. They would be a lot more valuable if I still had the watch. Unfortunately, it was stolen in '02, uninsured.

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

You had good taste. You can’t really teach good taste, but you have it !

Haha, thanks. I'm sure my wife would appreciate that comment, though many other would likely disagree!

Originally Posted by Burr

What a great first luxury watch! If only I was as smart as you were haha

Based on the Daytona comment above, you may be overestimating my smarts, but thanks!

[Burr]

Oh that’s terrible about your Daytona :(

Now you got me thinking about watch insurance..

[Peashooter45]

So as I mentioned in my intro post, this tool watch has spent the last several years in my safe, waiting to work it's way back up the priority list. Since this is a daily driver that has been around the block a few times, I didn't think "like new" would be fitting, so I asked Rolliworks for a function service, fix the bracelet and a little clean up. Still a little rough around the edges, like me, but nice to have the old friend back on my wrist. Thanks Michael, it's just the way I wanted it.

[Orangeface]

From what I see in your photos, it doesn't look like anything I would have Rolliworks "fix". It's only original once, and it's all from your wear. That said, it seems they're a good place to go for a "sympathetic" service that keeps the character. Before and after photos are always of interest.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Orangeface

From what I see in your photos, it doesn't look like anything I would have Rolliworks "fix". It's only original once, and it's all from your wear. That said, it seems they're a good place to go for a "sympathetic" service that keeps the character. Before and after photos are always of interest.

Uh...the above photo IS the “after”

[Peashooter45]

Correct, here's another "after" pic. The first post is a poor pic and doesn't show condition well. The second pic isn't much better. I wish I was half the photographer y'all are, I'll keep trying!

The bracelet was pretty stretched and the clasp was beat. It also needed servicing as it was not keeping time well. Rolliworks performed a full service, repaired the bracelet, brought the plexi back to like new and gave the rest a light clean up polish. The character is still there and it's functional again.
Thanks for looking.

[Thuilln]

Beautiful!

[Slimpee]

Looks great!

[winst]

Looking good!

[Woody]

That looks great - thanks for sharing.

[Onequik135i]

Your 5513 looks great & I enjoyed reading your story. Rolliworks does awesome work, they serviced and polished my 16520 couple of years back.