Gifted a 1984 5513. Educate me on this watch

[MotoJoe]

My dad just passed his 1984 (8.3 million S/N) down to me. It's a 5513 as you can see and has the spider web dial that was common to that time frame from my research here. It has a 93150 bracelet with 580 ends. I do however need to source 2-3 links for the bracelet as my dad foolishly had some after market links added. I plan to send it in to a independent shop per what I've read here to overhaul it and hopefully source me a period correct pearl and fix the bracelet back to its original state. Other than that I want it remain as it is. What else can you guys tell me about this piece? Thanks and I'm really enjoying the site. I spent 8 hours yesterday reading post.

[fusionstorm]

Pics aren't showing up on my iPad or iPhone.

[MotoJoe]

Originally Posted by fusionstorm

Pics aren't showing up on my iPad or iPhone.

Fixed. Having issues since photobucket went down.

[Tom1675]

Looks good to me... From my understanding, this defect doesn't make it particularly rare or more valuable but I like 'em. It happened in the mid 80s when Rolex made the jump back to glossy dials and frankly, blew it.

Most of all it was your Dad's, which is awesome. Its a great piece and your intentions on the rehab of it is spot-on imho. Thanks for sharing!

[dbhak22]

Congrats on a beautiful watch and sentimental gift, love when watches get passed down like this. Also, kudos to you on doing your research and putting in your due diligence. Lot of awesome enthusiasts and experts on here (I am of the former).

[datejust24]

Beautiful 5513 to have been gifted to you by your Pops, and as stated, your intentions for getting that beauty back to its original glory are exactly what need to be done, and can be done so fairly close to you, and at not too expensive of a price I wouldn't imagine...I would contact Rick at Time Care Inc. He is a member here and does exceptional work. Look him up and give him a ring....he'll get it sorted and back to you in no time looking damn good....post some pics when you get that beauty back....it's a classic reference your old man bought back in the day, and deserves to be brought back to it's original glory. Congrats on acquiring such an iconic reference and welcome to TRF.

[MotoJoe]

Thanks guys. I will look up the gentleman mentioned above. As for sourcing a couple of period correct links and a tritium dot any suggestions? I've checked the for sale section here and no luck. I'm hoping I can scoop up these items for around 200. Does that seem reasonable?

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by MotoJoe

Thanks guys. I will look up the gentleman mentioned above. As for sourcing a couple of period correct links and a tritium dot any suggestions? I've checked the for sale section here and no luck. I'm hoping I can scoop up these items for around 200. Does that seem reasonable?

Tritium pearls are sold here often, just watch the ads daily. A good oem cream colored pearl goes for $175-$250.

[Craft&Tailored]

The dial is what we refer to as a spider dial which as some have mentioned is a defect. I would disagree with the comment that it doesn't make them more valuable... Indeed it actually does make them more valuable as the collector market searches out such dials with the defect commonly referred to as spidering.

the reason why they fetch a premium is due to the fact that it's a cool defect that adds character to the dial but also due to the fact that it didn't go back to Rolex for a service replacement dial due to the defect making the dial factory original. With vintage as I am sure you are finding having an original piece makes them much more collectible and desirable to the collector market.... Just do a google search on Rolex Spider Dial and you will see what I am talking about...

Cool piece, i'd service it and wear it as it was gifted to you! congrats on the rad 5513!

[MotoJoe]

I'm eagerly awaiting my watch to be serviced and to be restored (pip and missing links). I hope to have it back within a month and plan to post so,e more pictures. Can someone tell me what bezel insert my watch has? I've read through the articles detailing the different ones and I'm torn if it's a mk2 or mk3?

[fusionstorm]

MK3. And IIRC from posts I've read here and on VRF, there are a few variations within that MK, and no set guideline of which exact style of bezel insert it would've left the factory with. So don't get too hung up on the insert......

[MotoJoe]

Shortly after I started this’s thread I sent my watch off to Phillip Ridley in TX to work his magic. My endstate was to keep the watch original and keep the worn look of it but preserve it to eventually pass on to my son in 20-30 years. Phillip was a pleasure to deal with and and knows his stuff. We had a good conversation about my particular 5513 and the model in general and I learned a few things. Overall my watch was in great shape for having not been serviced for who knows how long. Phillip was able to source a missing pearl dot and put the bracelet back to its original form as well as service it. I couldn’t be happier and highly recommend him if anyone is looking to have their watch serviced or restored. Pics to follow

[MotoJoe]

Shortly after I started this’s thread I sent my watch off to Phillip Ridley in TX to work his magic. My endstate was to keep the watch original and keep the worn look of it but preserve it to eventually pass on to my son in 20-30 years. Phillip was a pleasure to deal with and and knows his stuff. We had a good conversation about my particular 5513 and the model in general and I learned a few things. Overall my watch was in great shape for having not been serviced for who knows how long. Phillip was able to source a missing pearl dot and put the bracelet back to its original form as well as service it. I couldn’t be happier and highly recommend him if anyone is looking to have their watch serviced or restored.

[MotoJoe]

[Glyph]

Congratulations on the 5513 Spider Dial. I’ve had Phillip work on 4 or more of my watches and it was an excellent experience each time. We planned for each watch together. It was like having a guide through the wilderness. Phillip’s technical craft is as strong as his guidance.
In my opinion, the fact that this piece was passed down generation to generation now makes it an invaluable timepiece regardless of the current market value (which factually speaking is rising sure and steady). It is worth seeking out the best available watchmaker for a piece like this so it may be kept out of a desk drawer and be worn it was made to be.

[Gina Marie]

Love the spidey!!!

[Thuilln]

Thanks OP for sharing this great story. Lovely Sub!