help for a Rolex Submariner 5513 MK5

[oscarmariner]

Hi everyone,

I'm studying the reference 5513 and I'm interested in buying one in the next months.
I ran into an apparently good looking model and I'd love to have your opinion about it. It is a 5513 Mark V (Late 1983) 8million serial. Do you think dial/insert/hands/ are consistent with the serial/period?

Any comment, suggestion would be precious.

Thank you

[Dan S]

Insert is not original. You can study the dial variations here: http://www.5513mattedial.com/About.html

[oscarmariner]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Insert is not original. You can study the dial variations here: http://www.5513mattedial.com/About.html

Thanks for the answer. I actually had some doubt on the hands as the steel looks completely smooth with no signs of time.

About the insert: is not original or not correct for the specific watch?
Should the number be thicker and placed nearby the bezel? Can you please give me more details (I'm still studying)? I didn't find website that spcify the insert differences and marks.

Thank you

[Dan S]

There are many resources on the internet about bezel inserts. For example ...

https://www.watchprosite.com/rolex/r...49983.5769208/
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=383305

[1watch]

That type of insert was found on the 5513 gloss dial that succeeded the maxi Mk5 matte. Rolex history and quality control back in that time was different than now with more overlapping parts during reference updates, so may have been possible that it came that way with the next gen insert that has thinner font and more squared vs pointed top on the 4 in 14.


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[oscarmariner]

Originally Posted by 1watch

That type of insert was found on the 5513 gloss dial that succeeded the maxi Mk5 matte. Rolex history and quality control back in that time was different than now with more overlapping parts during reference updates, so may have been possible that it came that way with the next gen insert that has thinner font and more squared vs pointed top on the 4 in 14.


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Thank you so much. I think is possible since the watch is a late '83 model and the next 5513 with glossy dial and surrounded indices came to the market in the same period.

In general, do you think is a good reference/model (the request is about 15k usd) or it's better to find a previous model with more patina, etc. And how much a non-original insert would affect the price?

Thank you so much for all your answers. they are very precious.

[1watch]

It’s all a matter of preference, regarding an acceptable degree of patina as opposed to damage from moisture. For example, a lot of so called “tropical “ dials shown are really not tropical, but rather damaged from moisture intrusion into the case and not really pleasing. True tropical is typically from sun exposure for a period of time and then being put away in a dark place for years. That appearance is a more even color fade on the dial and not a textured or bubbly appearance that’s usually caused by moisture intrusion. I personally prefer the maxi dial to a meters first look, based on the larger lume plots. Some like the earlier meters first and their puffier lume plot appearance. That’s really a personal preference though and condition is the main factor for me on these vintage pieces. That said, the dial appearance is usually less patinated given the era and age of the Maxi range compared to earlier 5513 variants. I would also need to know the appearance of the case. I’m personally a stickler for originality and less intervention on a watch over time, beyond a careful and sympathetic service so it runs well and gaskets have integrity to keep case water resistant. You can usually tell if it’s been over polished by looking at the crown guard symmetry or lack thereof and the lug holes. They should be relatively flat and not concave or oblong, which happens when over polished.


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[oscarmariner]

another picture which shows the right side of case

[1watch]

It would be best to get all four lug sides at
an angle and the case straight on from both sides. Also ask about the inspection period. Must reputable sellers allow 3 days. I would take it to a reputable watchmaker to have it inspected during that time even if it looks good once in your hands. It’s your right to do due diligence and ask questions. These pieces aren’t inexpensive and you want to have peace of mind. Vintage Rolex is cool and taking your time is good to avoid later disenchantment, especially if this is your first foray.


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[oscarmariner]

I don't have other pictures unfortunately. I don't think they would give me an inspection period as they have internal watchmaker that (of course) said the watch was serviced and works perfectly.
Over the last 2 months I tried many 5513 and 80% looked like scrap metal. This one gave me a good impression (also because is not that old) but of course I don't want to buy only a good looking piece but a correct 5513 with a collectable value.

[1watch]

I don’t see any red flags, but it’s hard to answer with confidence on two pics. I would ask for the inspection period anyway. If they don’t allow it, find a reputable seller that will on a different piece, as that is usual and customary. It’s your first vintage and that’s not an insignificant price.


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[Dan S]

Originally Posted by oscarmariner

Thank you so much. I think is possible since the watch is a late '83 model and the next 5513 with glossy dial and surrounded indices came to the market in the same period.

In general, do you think is a good reference/model (the request is about 15k usd) or it's better to find a previous model with more patina, etc. And how much a non-original insert would affect the price?

Thank you so much for all your answers. they are very precious.

I would take roughly $2k off for the insert. Even if you speculate that it's original (which is unverifiable), it's still worth almost nothing compared to a fat font insert.

Overall I like the watch, but I'm really not on board with the price given the insert. The Mk5 is a perfectly fine variation, but it's not selling at a premium like a Mk1.

[oscarmariner]

thanks 1Watch and Dan S

[1watch]

You’re welcome and please come back with an update after you make your decision.


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[42itus]

Please note, I am not asking this question because of anything about this watch.

How do you know if a dial has been re-lumed? I only ask on this thread because if you look at the 11:00 marker, you can see the lume and then you can see the white part of the dial underneath. I've always been curious if there is a tell on if the lume is original or not.

[1watch]

Originally Posted by 42itus

Please note, I am not asking this question because of anything about this watch.

How do you know if a dial has been re-lumed? I only ask on this thread because if you look at the 11:00 marker, you can see the lume and then you can see the white part of the dial underneath. I've always been curious if there is a tell on if the lume is original or not.

You really need to examine under a loupe to detect the coloring and texture consistencies, but the white material is the dial base where the now yellowing tritium lume was applied. It’s common to see some of that area exposed due to age.


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[Dan S]

It can also be helpful to view the dial and hands under UV illumination.

[Redmy]

The watch looks good!

If the price is right just get it and buy another insert that’s correct for that year. It’s really not a big deal with that insert anyway.

The hands doesn’t have to have corrosion to be authentic or original. You just need to see it under a loupe with a UV light. The color of the hands look great btw. All similar in color which is what you want.

Mk5 is a nice unique dial. But so are the rest of the other variations. They are all special in their own way.



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[42itus]

Originally Posted by 1watch

You really need to examine under a loupe to detect the coloring and texture consistencies, but the white material is the dial base where the now yellowing tritium lume was applied. It’s common to see some of that area exposed due to age.


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Thanks. Good to know.

[Rstuf]

What’s the serial on it? 8.09xxxx?