Where to start with gifted vintage 5513

[nofxatallorelse]

Today I was gifted 1975 Sub 5513 and an additional old oyster band. A vintage , no date, sub has my bucket list watch since I was in high school. Besides the age and the model, I do not know much about it. I know that there are different types of dials and I believe this one is called a matted dial. I also believe that the hands are tritium?
The Plexi is heavily scratched, the band is stretching, the minute hand has deteriorated, and most importantly the watch does not run. Person that gave it to me said that the watch ran when he put it away, over 10 years ago. We recently rehabbed another old Submariner via a authorized Rolex dealer so I understand the financial implications of what a full repair will run. My question is, can someone tell me exactly the type of hands and dial that I have on this watch? I do not want to spend all of the money up front to do every little thing on the watch, but would rather do it in pieces, specifically with trying to get it to run first. Any additional info that I may be missing concerning this type of watch would be greatly appreciated. Even though I haven't posted on her in many years, I constantly enjoy reading and learning on this page. Thanks again

[superyl]

I would wear the watch as is... as long as it’s functional keep it in original form... I wish I can be gifted a 5513 one day lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DLRIDES]

Can’t tell much from the photos, but I can definitely say DO NOT send this to Rolex ! Send it to vintage specialists such as LAWW, ABC, etc ......

[Beelzy]

Yep, what he said.
Try to save the crystal, a set of tritium hands is around $500. Or paint the the defective
hand for now. Don't polish it! A simple service should do the trick. Oh the tiny pearl
on the bezel is stupid expensive($2-300) you can live without it. The dial on the watch is what they call a maxi-dial at least what I can see through all the scratches.
Congrats! You were given a fairly desirable watch. Don't sell it!

[datejust24]

Hell of a gift...congrats...looking forward to seeing some pics once you get that beauty serviced and the plexi buffed out

[run23]

Nothing to add, but I just want to say that is an awesome watch. The 5513 is on my shortlist of a watch to get when I achieve a milestone I’m working hard at now.

[nofxatallorelse]

Yes, I was speechless when the guy gave it to me. I was also blown away with the value of the additional oyster bracelet I had received.

[sensui]

Wish someone gave me something like this...lucky you op. Pick a reputable independent watchmaker and get a full service and the crystal polished...if you really want source a period correct insert but not important. Going to look great on the wrist.

[Vincent65]

Nice to be given that

[R.O.L.E.X]

Polish the crystal, get it running and leave it at that

[Mick8moses]

Awesome gift

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[brandrea]

You’re lucky you have RIK right in your backyard (so to speak).

Congratulations

[nofxatallorelse]

Thanks for the info. Now I know I shouldn't send it I for a regal. I have found a local watchsmith to tackle the issues for me. I'll post photos soon of the finished product.

[Thathorologist]

Nice watch, as all friends suggested and know here, always keep vintage pieces as original as possible.

Can’t wait to see final product pictures

Cheers!

[Fleetlord]

Get it running...then wipe it down with a lightly moistened cloth.

Then wear it

[sweetlew]

Watchmakers International. Bob Ridley just did an awesome job on a 5513 I had sent him. Running perfectly.

[nofxatallorelse]

What is the reasoning for not polishing it? I'm guessing it effects value, or is it more to not ruin the finish?

[run23]

Originally Posted by nofxatallorelse

Thanks for the info. Now I know I shouldn't send it I for a regal. I have found a local watchsmith to tackle the issues for me. I'll post photos soon of the finished product.

Looking forward to the pics!

[henrylee]

Originally Posted by brandrea

You’re lucky you have RIK right in your backyard (so to speak).

Congratulations

I second that, take it to Rikki at time care inc in Florida. Although i have not personally had any work done by him, I heard good stuff about him. Here is a thread about him. But personally I would only get a service and buff the crystal and call it done. The hands would not bother me. Also the other bracelet looks like it's from a explorer or Gmt master from the clasp.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=376343

[SkyKing31]

Originally Posted by nofxatallorelse

What is the reasoning for not polishing it? I'm guessing it effects value, or is it more to not ruin the finish?

Polishing will effect the value. You want to keep that baby as all original as possible. The crystal should be able to be buffed out, but do not polish the case or bracelet. Besides, the scratches give the watch character .. Think of them as battle scars

[nofxatallorelse]

Here are updated photos. I love it! Still more work to do, but it's beautiful just the way it is. Thanks for all the input!

[Amazing]

Looks fantastic

[stratlanta]

That looks great - enjoy it!

[nofxatallorelse]

Any thoughts on the dial? Serif maxi?

[Beelzy]

Now that we can see it better...Serif dial.

[Alex The Watch Guy]

Beautiful serif dial, enjoy wearing it.

[springer]

Originally Posted by sensui

Wish someone gave me something like this...lucky you op. Pick a reputable independent watchmaker and get a full service and the crystal polished...if you really want source a period correct insert but not important. Going to look great on the wrist.

Good advice here, but for me, the crystal goes and gets replaced.

[nofxatallorelse]

Originally Posted by springer

Good advice here, but for me, the crystal goes and gets replaced.

Yeah, searching for just the right plexi now

[Rebel]

Simply stunning.