Rolex Submariner 5513 - Bart Simpson model - will new bezel impact value?

[Nickster123]

I think I may have a 5513 Bart Simpson from 1966 in my possession - my father bought it watch about 30 years ago and I inherited it after he passed away. The serial number is in the 1.4m range, and the lumes light up for a short while after you shine a light on them - so everything seems to tie in with the other Barts I have seen online.

When I got it the black insert on the bezel was missing and the glass was in a poor condition, so I had the glass and the whole bezel replaced (although I still have the original bezel without black insert).

Does you think that not having the original bezel will have reduced the value of the watch at all? Would it be worth finding a replacement black insert for this model, adding it back to the original bezel and putting it back on the watch?

Not that I ever intend to sell it, but plan to get it insured now that I’ve found out how rare and valuable it is.

Thanks
Nick

[m j b]

In this country (USA) Bart Simpson is an entirely different person (albeit not a real person).

This thread may do better in the Vintage section.

[037]

It's called a Bart Simpson because the Rolex crown looks like the cartoon character. It means the same worldwide.

Regarding value, replace the bezel as desired but keep the original in close storage. You'll want it if you ever sell.

Great looking 5513!

[Nickster123]

Ha thank you, will do

[037]

Sure thing. And, welcome to TRF!

[Johny]

Hi op

Lovely watch.

Please seek the advice of the forum prior to any servicing, polishing or repairs that you may be considering in the future.

[Nickster123]

I'm just going to send it to Rolex for a service, probably the first one its had in years, currently loses 4-5 mins per week. I'll make sure they don't polish it or interfere with the dial at all !

And to think I was going to replace the dial because I thought it looked a bit shabby ....

[Dan S]

Great watch. It's totally up to you regarding a period-correct bezel insert. Yes, it affects the value, but approximately by the same amount as a replacement insert would cost you. So replacing the insert will increase the value of the watch, but also the amount that you have into it, if you see what I mean. Inserts are certainly available, at a price. In your place, I would probably do it, mainly because I'd enjoy the watch more with period-correct parts.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by Nickster123

I'm just going to send it to Rolex for a service, probably the first one its had in years, currently loses 4-5 mins per week. I'll make sure they don't polish it or interfere with the dial at all !

And to think I was going to replace the dial because I thought it looked a bit shabby ....

Don't send it to Rolex. Send it to one of the vintage specialists. LAWW (Los Angeles Watch Works) and Bob/Phillip Ridley at Watchmaker's International are two great ones. There's a few more that the forum will vouch for.

As already mentioned as long as you hold onto the original insert you won't hurt the value at all.

[Nickster123]

Thanks for the feedback Dan

Sillo - unfortunately I'm in London UK so will have to find somewhere closer to home!

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by Nickster123

Thanks for the feedback Dan



Sillo - unfortunately I'm in London UK so will have to find somewhere closer to home!

Plenty of Brits on here who can point in a safe direction for service.

Great looking watch, and a wonderful heirloom with which to remember your dad.

As others have mentioned, it’s up to you if you’d like to buy a period correct long 5 insert. They run north of $2k in good shape.


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[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by m j b

In this country (USA) Bart Simpson is an entirely different person (albeit not a real person).

This thread may do better in the Vintage section.

And yeah, in this country (USA) a Bart Simpson Rolex is understood to have a gilt dial Submariner crown resembling the hair of Bart Simpson (albeit not a real person).
Maybe you would do better in the General Forum.

[Nickster123]

I just sent my watch off to Rolex London for a service, they have come back saying that it needs a new dial, hands, case middle and back and bracelet! I told them I didn't want anything but the service, but they are refusing to service the watch unless I get the dial replaced with a service one.

Does this sound odd to anyone? My thoughts are they don't want to risk damaging the dial because of its value, don't know if anyone agrees..

Nick

[andrewjb88]

Originally Posted by Nickster123

I just sent my watch off to Rolex London for a service, they have come back saying that it needs a new dial, hands, case middle and back and bracelet! I told them I didn't want anything but the service, but they are refusing to service the watch unless I get the dial replaced with a service one.

Does this sound odd to anyone? My thoughts are they don't want to risk damaging the dial because of its value, don't know if anyone agrees..

Nick

I could of told you they where going to say this, they wanted me to replace my bracelet on a 1998 Datejust a few weeks ago, in the end I got them to send it back to me without doing any work.

I am sending mine to Christian Dannemann (watchguy.co.uk) for him to carry out service and fit a new genuine Rolex crown.

Seems RSC are only good for stuff that is a few years old.

[eton97]

Totally disagree with the above.
I’ve had all my watches serviced by Rolex st James. 1974 Drsd, 1967 1675, 1978 5513 maxi mk1 and I had none of these issues.

They reviewed the watches for a day and called saying they were happy to proceed. Dial, hands, bezel, case everything was accepted and fine.






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[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by Nickster123

I just sent my watch off to Rolex London for a service, they have come back saying that it needs a new dial, hands, case middle and back and bracelet! I told them I didn't want anything but the service, but they are refusing to service the watch unless I get the dial replaced with a service one.

Does this sound odd to anyone? My thoughts are they don't want to risk damaging the dial because of its value, don't know if anyone agrees..

Nick

Rolex is in the business of making their watches look pristine, they do not care about originality. That is why you do not send a vintage watch to them as stated multiple times. Please get the watch back from them and send it to a competent independent who will service it without destroying its vintage value.

[andrewjb88]

Originally Posted by eton97

Totally disagree with the above.
I’ve had all my watches serviced by Rolex st James. 1974 Drsd, 1967 1675, 1978 5513 maxi mk1 and I had none of these issues.

They reviewed the watches for a day and called saying they were happy to proceed. Dial, hands, bezel, case everything was accepted and fine.






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Your watches must be in absolute pristine condition then? hardly worn?

Anything that is worn as a daily etc will be flagged for needing replacement parts.

[eton97]

Originally Posted by andrewjb88

Your watches must be in absolute pristine condition then? hardly worn?



Anything that is worn as a daily etc will be flagged for needing replacement parts.

I must admit they are relatively pristine but they are worn daily!

But I guess my point is they are old and valuable as per the above OPs watch. And they never on any of my pieces said anything about changing any part of the watch. Also pre leaving it, I spent a good amount of time explaining exactly what I did and didn’t want, and they were absolutely fine and respected everything I requested


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[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by eton97

I must admit they are relatively pristine but they are worn daily!

But I guess my point is they are old and valuable as per the above OPs watch. And they never on any of my pieces said anything about changing any part of the watch. Also pre leaving it, I spent a good amount of time explaining exactly what I did and didn’t want, and they were absolutely fine and respected everything I requested


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I have to say that I’ve had the same experience as eton97 at RSC Geneva and Toronto. List if suggested work to be done. Do what you want, don’t do what you don’t want. Not saying anyone else is wrong, just my experience.


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[1675-David]

the real question is of course.... Did Bart Simpson ever wear one of these or is it just marketing hype to falsely inflate prices???

[Juhuatai]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

the real question is of course.... Did Bart Simpson ever wear one of these or is it just marketing hype to falsely inflate prices???

I laughed.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Nickster123

. . .
Does this sound odd to anyone? My thoughts are they don't want to risk damaging the dial because of its value, don't know if anyone agrees..

Nick

It is possible that they do not want to do damage, but replacing those parts will irreparably damage it's originality and value.

Get your watch back from the RSC untouched.. There are a few skilled craftsmen in the UK who can properly service the movement and stabilize your dial and hands.

[cajuntiger]

I don't want to pile on...but avoid Rolex service. Its always best to use a watchmaker that specializes in vintage pieces, especially with examples like yours. Regarding your original question about the bezel...if you never plan on selling it it really doesn't matter, and insurance should not have any bearing on your decision. Personally I would find the correct bezel and insert, but I am anal about complete originality. If it doesnt bother you as-is then no need to spend the money to find the correct bezel as they aren't cheap.

Enjoy the watch, its a beauty!

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by eton97

I must admit they are relatively pristine but they are worn daily!

But I guess my point is they are old and valuable as per the above OPs watch. And they never on any of my pieces said anything about changing any part of the watch. Also pre leaving it, I spent a good amount of time explaining exactly what I did and didn’t want, and they were absolutely fine and respected everything I requested


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This forum is filled with stories of RSCs changing parts (unauthorized). Send it to a qualified independent.

[eton97]

Understood. I’m referring specifically to London and it’s the only one I have used.


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