Help verifying 5513 dial and bezel

[mountainjogger]

Seller says this is a 1966 5513. And yes, I will ultimately get pics between the shoulders, the back and inside. Since this watch is within reasonable driving distance for me and I can also go do a hands on.

Before I decide to go down that road, I thought I would ask for comments on the dial and bezel. I see a vertical crack in the middle of the 1:00 plot. But authenticity is beyond me.

I generally take a long time to decide on a watch. So, I am in early days on this one. Have plenty of time as the watch is not listed for sale. Comments would be appreciated

[mountainjogger]

Just to add, from my quick research, this looks like a non serif dial which was not introduced until 69 or 70. Am I correct and if so, would that mean it would not come from the factory on a 66 watch?

[Kingface66]

The dial is way later than ‘66…as is the insert…and the bracelet

[Dan S]

But possibly he has the year wrong. Did he tell you the serial?

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Dan S

But possibly he has the year wrong. Did he tell you the serial?

Trying to get it now Dan.

[Wing Zero]

Maxi dial. Mark 1. 1977. 5 mil serial range.
Insert is mid font - mid 1980.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Wing Zero

Maxi dial. Mark 1. 1977. 5 mil serial range.
Insert is mid font - mid 1980.

Thanks JC!

Feel like a dummy. Now I see the slender coronet and the Z shaped S in Submariner, among other things. I need more experience, more attention to detail, or more likely both.

[Wing Zero]

The vertical crack could be on the Crystal. Check it out

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Wing Zero

The vertical crack could be on the Crystal. Check it out

Thanks on the crack on crystal idea.

[mountainjogger]

Early 1.4M, so that should be 1966.

On up side, I think the case looks pretty strong and will post more pics ASAP. And it has been recently overhauled by an excellent vintage repair person. On the down side: wrong dial and insert and bracelet and no box or papers.

I am guessing this really reduces the price I should be willing to pay, am I correct?

[Wing Zero]

Generally, Project watches are cheaper than fully correct watches...

Now trying to convince the seller to fall for your Jedi Mind Trick...

Good Luck

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

Thanks JC!

Feel like a dummy. Now I see the slender coronet and the Z shaped S in Submariner, among other things. I need more experience, more attention to detail, or more likely both.

The feet-first is the easy give-away!

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Wing Zero

Generally, Project watches are cheaper than fully correct watches...

Now trying to convince the seller to fall for your Jedi Mind Trick...

Good Luck

Not sure how that is going to go. But I am at least better informed and better armed.

[mountainjogger]

Anyone have any idea of the going rate for an age appropriate dial and hands in good condition? Same on bezel? Crown/tube does not bother me that much.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

The feet-first is the easy give-away!

Yes. Which makes me a real dummy.

[fskywalker]

Good looking! What’s the asking price?


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[Subspecies]

Early 1.4 mil puts it into glossy gilt territory. Finding a dial, hands and long5 insert will not be easy and will require deep pockets.

[lupus66]

pretty unobtainium

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Subspecies

Early 1.4 mil puts it into glossy gilt territory. Finding a dial, hands and long5 insert will not be easy and will require deep pockets.

Yeah, it has some valuable parts, but they're mismatched, and restoring it will require a significant investment. The OP would either have to be happy wearing something mis-matched, or willing to take on a project that involves buying and selling. Not for everyone.

[TuRo]

Check case bask for 66 stamp too of course.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

Check case bask for 66 stamp too of course.

Thanks. Will do that if I pursue further. But first need to discuss known issues with with the seller. When we first talked I asked about the dial before seeing picks. He sated it was not a service dial. Lot of reasons he could have said this. So, we shall see.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Yeah, it has some valuable parts, but they're mismatched, and restoring it will require a significant investment. The OP would either have to be happy wearing something mis-matched, or willing to take on a project that involves buying and selling. Not for everyone.

Exactly my thought process Dan. Unless the price was great (and right not it is not), I would not be parting it out and restoring it. So, the question is would I be happy wearing it as is. Crown does not really bother me, as I have upgraded for a daily wearer in the past but kept the original parts. Neither does the insert, that would not be a really big deal to replace. But to get an age appropriate dial and hands looks like it would be pretty expensive.

So, the question is whether I would be happy wearing a mismatched dial. Oddly, I would not be bothered if it had a later luminova service dial with matching hands if the price reflected the same. But not sure how I feel about a mismatched MK1.

And what really gives me pause is my spouse's comment, "Why would you want a watch with the wrong dial on it?"

Strange hobby we have.

[wb55]

Your wife is right. Get a better example and move on.

I'm picking up a Mk5 5513 tomorrow and I've paid a higher price than I though I'd needed to. It's loose but it has a fantastic history and is untouched. If you're going down that route go the whole hog.

I'd rather an untouched loose watch with a good history from a trustworthy seller than an average or ok condition watch with box and papers.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by wb55

Your wife is right. Get a better example and move on.

I'm picking up a Mk5 5513 tomorrow and I've paid a higher price than I though I'd needed to. It's loose but it has a fantastic history and is untouched. If you're going down that route go the whole hog.

I'd rather an untouched loose watch with a good history from a trustworthy seller than an average or ok condition watch with box and papers.

Good ponts. Congrats. Looking forward to pics

[Pilot1985]

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

And what really gives me pause is my spouse's comment, "Why would you want a watch with the wrong dial on it?"

Strange hobby we have.

Happy wife happy life… there is your answer

Now when you find a more expensive one, you said you were following her advise :)

[wb55]

The hands on the one you listed are better than the ones on this but it’s got to be all correct.

This is my first 4 digit but I could see myself going for a 1665 now.

[mountainjogger]

Nice!

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Wing Zero

The vertical crack could be on the Crystal. Check it out

Gave feedback to the owner on the mismatched dial. Waiting for him to get back to me. In the interim, I took the original high res photo and magnified it. Sure enough, Wing, you are correct. Is is a scratch on the crystal.

[Wing Zero]

Good to hear! Keep us updated with the progress.