First (and probably only) Rolex - 5513 vs 14060?

[maxthecat80]

Dear all,

Having caught the watch bug 2 years ago, I've been a long time lurker in this forum and have learned alot from the many postings here. Thank you guys!

This year, I've finally decided to go for one of my grails - the Sub No Date! And that is when I ran into a few dilemmas, which I'm hoping the experts here can help with:

1. Used vs Brand New

I tried out both the 114060 and the 14060M, and decided to opt for the latter. The former was clearly of better quality, shiny luxurious feel. Whilst the latter, felt a lot more like home, the watch just nestles into hand and instantly feels like a part of you. Easy decison.

2. Vintage vs 'Modern'

I love vintage. I have an Heuer Autavia MH1163, Omega Moonwatch 3570.50, SKX007, Seiko Panda 6038-8020, Stowa Partitio, Tempest Carbon, - all 'vintage looking'. One of the things that made me fell in love with Rolex Sub was seeing the patina on the 5513. At the same time, I have come across some 14060's (T25) with great looking patina's as well.

Now, I have seen both entry level 5513's and 14060's being offered around $4500-$7000 (my budget) at Bob's/HQ Milton, with the 5513 being at the higher end of cos. My question is this:

a) is buying an entry level 5513 (with service hands/service dial) 'better' than a 14060 (T25)?

b) what are your thoughts on 5513's with newer hands / uneven patinas / service parts?

c) how important are papers when it comes to 5513 and 14060?

Thanks in advance!

[madonofrio]

So I'm not going to directly answer any of your questions BUT I will say that I was considering the same recently and wound up buying a 14060 full package.

For me the better 5513s are intact and original, but I really want to treat my Sub like the tool watch it was meant to be. Yes the WG surrounds are a bit blingy compared to the 5513 markers, and the acrylic crystal and matte combo is what I drew me to the Sub, but for my purpose it's mostly there.

[offrdmania]

I love the 14060M 2 liner. It has the styling of a classic sub but with a modern twist. You can still use it as a tool watch and not worry about a few dings and scratches here and there.

[U5512]

You already have a few vintage or "vintage looking" watches in your collection, and you do love the look of patina dial & hands of 5513, I would go 5513 in your case.

[dbfagan]

I recently purchased a late model 5513 with the white gold surrounds. The hands and markers have a nice patina. Also, the acrylic crystal gives it a nice vintage look. These are not terribly expensive at the moment and fall well within your budget.

Good luck with your decision,
David

[TurboWatch]

Originally Posted by dbfagan

I recently purchased a late model 5513 with the white gold surrounds. The hands and markers have a nice patina. Also, the acrylic crystal gives it a nice vintage look. These are not terribly expensive at the moment and fall well within your budget.

Good luck with your decision,
David

Can't go wrong with any of the 2 references. I prefer the plastic dome and the warm vintage tritium plots:

[dbfagan]

She's a beauty

[Kingface66]

"First (and probably only) Rolex"

Oh, man....I remember when I tried to convince myself of that possible future.

[maxthecat80]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

"First (and probably only) Rolex"

Oh, man....I remember when I tried to convince myself of that possible future.

Haha..how many Rolexes do you have now?

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[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by maxthecat80

Haha..how many Rolexes do you have now?

Sent from my Mi 4i using Tapatalk

Well, currently, I have four.
Now, how many have I had? Well....more than four.

[maxthecat80]

Originally Posted by madonofrio

So I'm not going to directly answer any of your questions BUT I will say that I was considering the same recently and wound up buying a 14060 full package.

For me the better 5513s are intact and original, but I really want to treat my Sub like the tool watch it was meant to be. Yes the WG surrounds are a bit blingy compared to the 5513 markers, and the acrylic crystal and matte combo is what I drew me to the Sub, but for my purpose it's mostly there.

Thanks madonofrio.

I totally get where you are coming from. And congrats on your purchase and coming to a decision.

I suppose there is no 'right' answer. The last thing I want is to get one and still lust for the other.

Sigh, the cursed life of a WIS..

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[maxthecat80]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

I love the 14060M 2 liner. It has the styling of a classic sub but with a modern twist. You can still use it as a tool watch and not worry about a few dings and scratches here and there.

I totally agree. But the lure of patina....

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[Toronto Soup King]

I picked a WGS-service-dial 5513 over a 14060, and I'm glad I did. But I don't treat it like I would a G-Shock, nor do I dive with it, so missing out on the tech advancements wasn't such a big deal for me. I think the 5513 is slightly handsomer than the 14060, even if the latter is definitely a better diver.

[maxthecat80]

Originally Posted by U5512

You already have a few vintage or "vintage looking" watches in your collection, and you do love the look of patina dial & hands of 5513, I would go 5513 in your case.

Thanks U5512. Re 5513: would it matter if the hands were changes/uneven patina or service dial?



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[maxthecat80]

Originally Posted by dbfagan

I recently purchased a late model 5513 with the white gold surrounds. The hands and markers have a nice patina. Also, the acrylic crystal gives it a nice vintage look. These are not terribly expensive at the moment and fall well within your budget.

Good luck with your decision,
David

Thanks David n congratulations on your purchase.

Can u share some pics?

Also, if I could ask, would it matter if the 5513 wasn't 100% original ie service dial/hands?

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[dbfagan]

Originally Posted by maxthecat80

Thanks David n congratulations on your purchase.

Can u share some pics?

Also, if I could ask, would it matter if the 5513 wasn't 100% original ie service dial/hands?

Sent from my Mi 4i using Tapatalk

In your price range I would go for original dial and hands. Mine is a 1988/89 series all original. i recently sent it to RSC for service. I instructed them not not polish the watch or replace the dial, hands, bezel or crystal-to which they complied. I got it back a couple of weeks ago with a 2 year warranty from RSC.

[onthedial]

@maxthecat80
I'm not knocking the 14060 (it's a watch I like quite a bit), but given your budget you will be able to find a terrific, all original, mid-80s 5513 (WG surrounds, plex crystal). That's the direction I'd go.
_________
Instagram: @onthedial

[The Wesminator]

The real answer is sell a kidney and add both, go on you know it makes sense.



In your position I think it would be a nice T<25 14060 and then save up for the grail.

I tend to wear my 14060 everywhere without a thought but I consider every time my 5513 comes out what I am actually during.

B&P's not important to me.

[watchyou]

80s 5513, love the acrylic dome crystal!

[maxthecat80]

Originally Posted by dbfagan

In your price range I would go for original dial and hands. Mine is a 1988/89 series all original. i recently sent it to RSC for service. I instructed them not not polish the watch or replace the dial, hands, bezel or crystal-to which they complied. I got it back a couple of weeks ago with a 2 year warranty from RSC.

She's a beauty!

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[maxthecat80]

Originally Posted by onthedial

@maxthecat80
I'm not knocking the 14060 (it's a watch I like quite a bit), but given your budget you will be able to find a terrific, all original, mid-80s 5513 (WG surrounds, plex crystal). That's the direction I'd go.
_________
Instagram: @onthedial

Thanks onthedial, will certainly consider that!

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[maxthecat80]

Originally Posted by watchyou

80s 5513, love the acrylic dome crystal!

I could stare at that all day!

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[maxthecat80]

Originally Posted by The Wesminator

The real answer is sell a kidney and add both, go on you know it makes sense.



In your position I think it would be a nice T<25 14060 and then save up for the grail.

I tend to wear my 14060 everywhere without a thought but I consider every time my 5513 comes out what I am actually during.

B&P's not important to me.

..and after selling a kidney, the missus will chop up my nuts!!

But on a more serious note, is the 5513 that 'fragile'?

Or does one tend to be naturally more cautious when wearing it?

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[Old Expat Beast]

My late 1980s 5513, updated by Rolex with new acrylic dome, Luminova dial, pearl, hands and crown. Everything else is original. Best of both worlds, IMO. Like new but vintage-looking.

[BBL]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

My late 1980s 5513, updated by Rolex with new acrylic dome, Luminova dial, pearl, hands and crown. Everything else is original. Best of both worlds, IMO. Like new but vintage-looking.

Expat---your watch looks absolutely Terrific! Hands down....sooooo nice!

[BBL]

Originally Posted by watchyou

80s 5513, love the acrylic dome crystal!

Originally Posted by The Wesminator

The real answer is sell a kidney and add both, go on you know it makes sense.

In your position I think it would be a nice T<25 14060 and then save up for the grail.

I tend to wear my 14060 everywhere without a thought but I consider every time my 5513 comes out what I am actually during.

B&P's not important to me.

Really like your watches! Fabulous pictures!

DM

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by BBL

Expat---your watch looks absolutely Terrific! Hands down....sooooo nice!

Thank you sir

[HERITAGE82]

I recently went through the same dilemma and chose a late 80's 5513. In my opinion it's the best if both worlds :)

[watchyou]

Originally Posted by maxthecat80

I could stare at that all day!

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Thank you

[yannis]

5513 sounds like the one for you.