Vintage submariner

[yhny]

How do I determine
Date?
Model?
I would like to buy proper caseback
Thank You

[Dan S]

Show good photos, including of the numbers between the lugs on both sides.

[Davidt]

Well research, research and research are your main allies. Any time you buy vintage without thorough knowledge you’re taking a risk.

With vintage watches, be it Rolex, Omega or whoever, the devils in the details - sometimes ridiculously small differences between references (or even different years within references) are male or break in terms of collector value.

A shortcut can be to post several good high quality images on forums to gain the opinion of experts but this obviously adds time and possibly alerts others to the watch in question. Ideally one can assess a watch without outside help and pounce when a good one pops up.

In basic terms the date can be determined by the serial number between the lugs, the paperwork if present, or even the bracelet date code (if it’s original - another minefield that requires experience). Mode/reference is also between the lugs and can usually be determined from the external characteristics (assuming the main components haven’t been swapped at some point).

[swish77]

Originally Posted by yhny

How do I determine
Date?
Model?
I would like to buy proper caseback
Thank You

These questions are way too broad. Google is your friend to start your research, and then perhaps you could post photos of an example you like.

Good luck in the hunt!

[baumare]

Originally Posted by yhny

How do I determine
Date?
Model?
I would like to buy proper caseback
Thank You

1. Look at the number engraved on the case between the lugs at 12 and 6 (lugs are where you attach the bracelet)
2. One number is the model reference and the other is the serial number
3. Check on google which one is which
4. While you're on Google research the date that correspond with your serial number and the model.

Good luck!

[stmoore]

This guy has some interesting threads.
Check this out:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=674970

[Goochy]

Originally Posted by stmoore

This guy has some interesting threads.
Check this out:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=674970

Hmmm, looks fishy to me.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by yhny

How do I determine
Date?
Model?
I would like to buy proper caseback
Thank You

Your questions are extremely basic and demonstrate that you might miss other more important aspects of vintage Sub purchasing.

I would suggest that you seek a knowledgeable and respected Dealer for your quest.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by Goochy

Hmmm, looks fishy to me.

This thread may be fishy but the link is to a thread of an ill-informed watch owner who sent in an old watch to Rolex for service and the original case which most likely wouldnt pass a pressure test or had too much corrosion had its mid case replaced with a 4.4Mil service case. The OP was complaining; thinking he was cheated yet he agreed to the service. I just think he didnt understand what he was agreeing to.

[offrdmania]

From his other thread, im guessing he is looking for a case back for his sub which now has a service case on it.

[Goochy]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

From his other thread, im guessing he is looking for a case back for his sub which now has a service case on it.

Why would he be looking for an original case back for a replacement case supplied by Rolex? He either has the original case back already or a service replacement case back supplied with the case from Rolex. Just sounds odd to me.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by yhny

How do I determine
Date?
Model?
I would like to buy proper caseback
Thank You

Now that we have researched your previous posts and finally seem to know what you are asking..

First, you have stated that you have a 5513 that has been rebuilt at RSC with service parts and a service case.

This rebuild would have come with a "proper" case back. Terms like "proper", "authentic", and "original", all have different meanings.

It seems that you are looking for a period back? I would ask why? An older case back isn't going to add any value or authenticity to your 5513.

Finding 50 to 60 year old case backs in good condition likely means scouring used watch dealers and shops looking for somebody parting out an older watch with the markings that you desire.

An alternative is to find a craftsman to fill the case back markings, and then re-stamping whatever you want onto the fresh surface.