Rolex 5513

[monkeysee]

Hi all,
Am thinking of getting my first vintage Rolex. Could you all please tell me what you think about this 5513 Sub?
It's from 1970 with a 2.9M serial. Does it look genuine and does the dial look right for the time frame? Do you think the dial and hands have been refinished?
Seller has few references and I don't know them, which makes me very nervous, but watch does come with it's original guarantee papers.

What do you all think? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks! Will.

[Lol-x]

From what I can see, I think it looks like a pretty decent 5513.

I can't really see the crown guards, maybe there is some excessive polishing on them, but I don't know because I can't see them.

I'd negotiate on the price of this one if I were you.

Nice uniform lume on the hands and dial. A bit of corrosion on the hands but nothing to be really worried about.

My main query is the edge of the dial where it touches/meets the rehaut from about 2 O'Clock to 5 O'Clock. Looks like there are signs of paint flaking off the dial????? You better check that out carefully.

Go over this one carefully, you need to ask all the questions before you commit (although the seller should really disclose them to you of his/her own volition in any event).

[monkeysee]

Hey thanks for the quick reply!
Yes, am proceeding with caution.
You mean the little dust-like particles at the edge of the dial? Wow, that's pretty sharp spotting!...didn't even notice it. Is this normal for a watch this age?
Enclosed pic of crown guards...
What would be a decent price for 5513 like this with papers? Have seen prices go up recently, but generally from 4.5K - 5.5K?

will.

[mcjp6]

Hi Will, Welcome to TRF....

IMO the dial looks correct for the serial number, nice feet first open 6 and I don't think refinished.

When you say papers, is that the original warranty paper or later RSC service papers? If original warranty papers I'd guess at a little more than $5.5. Any recent service history? If not you may want to factor a service in also. No bracelet is shown, you may want to factor that cost in as well around $800.

Does the seller have a history of selling watches? Pay with paypal or credit card and you have some protection just tread with care.

Let us know how you go.

[Lol-x]

The dust at the edge of the dial between roughly 2 O'Clock and 5 O'Clock is more likely how it looks when the black paint has flaked off the dial. This can happen over time, and it can also happen when the watch is serviced and the dial edge having been compressed against the edge of the rehaut, when removed and result in the removal of paint from the edge of the dial.

The crown guards appear to be to have had a high degree of polishing and while they do look equal in width, they are very narrow at the tip, and that may be indicative of excessive polishing.

Also it looks like there are a couple of small dings in the lugs, and further material would have to be removed from the lugs to polish these out.

So I would suggest thinking carefully about this one. I am being highly critical for a 30+ y.o. watch where one would expect to see some signs of usage etc..

[Some Pair]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

The dust at the edge of the dial between roughly 2 O'Clock and 5 O'Clock is more likely how it looks when the black paint has flaked off the dial. This can happen over time, and it can also happen when the watch is serviced and the dial edge having been compressed against the edge of the rehaut, when removed and result in the removal of paint from the edge of the dial.

The crown guards appear to be to have had a high degree of polishing and while they do look equal in width, they are very narrow at the tip, and that may be indicative of excessive polishing.

Also it looks like there are a couple of small dings in the lugs, and further material would have to be removed from the lugs to polish these out.

So I would suggest thinking carefully about this one. I am being highly critical for a 30+ y.o. watch where one would expect to see some signs of usage etc..

I agree w/ the esteemed Gent Lol-x
( & Only because I've been told by a respected member/seller/buyer here on The Forum) that I have a remarkable example.

I'm uncomfortable with the overpolishing. Along with weak crown guard and lugs as well.
But it's a real nice watch for $4.5k tops in my opinion w/o an original 9315 bracelet.

[mike]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

The dust at the edge of the dial between roughly 2 O'Clock and 5 O'Clock is more likely how it looks when the black paint has flaked off the dial. This can happen over time, and it can also happen when the watch is serviced and the dial edge having been compressed against the edge of the rehaut, when removed and result in the removal of paint from the edge of the dial.

The crown guards appear to be to have had a high degree of polishing and while they do look equal in width, they are very narrow at the tip, and that may be indicative of excessive polishing.

Also it looks like there are a couple of small dings in the lugs, and further material would have to be removed from the lugs to polish these out.

So I would suggest thinking carefully about this one. I am being highly critical for a 30+ y.o. watch where one would expect to see some signs of usage etc..

Well said Steve. I can't add anything.

[r.l.x]

interesting watch.

[monkeysee]

Decided to pass on this one.....

Gotta say I am really impressed to all of you for taking the time to respond. You made some pretty good points about the condition of the watch...things that I didn't even know about, let alone look for! Thanks!!

By the way, the watch went for 7.7K.....guess Wall Street is back in business!

W.

[Some Pair]

Strong monies paid for sure!.....and with no bracelet either

[datejust1]

Beautiful Subby!

[eparisini]

youn just need a 9315 band and a thik font bezel insert, nice watch

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by monkeysee

Decided to pass on this one.....

Gotta say I am really impressed to all of you for taking the time to respond. You made some pretty good points about the condition of the watch...things that I didn't even know about, let alone look for! Thanks!!

By the way, the watch went for 7.7K.....guess Wall Street is back in business!

W.

Don't worry, the right one will come along.
That price was how can I say, "a little on the high side"

[ParisDakarBmw]

The minute hand is a little darker, but nice aging. Cool watch

[sea-dweller]

Quite a nice vintage Sub !