5513 from 1978

[Tensai]

I am on hunt for a solid 5513 maxi dial with no problems. Hopefully I am learning, but not easy for sure.

This is represented as a 1978 model ('78 was a good year for me ;) with Mark 1 maxi dial, Mark 3 bezel, transitional domed crystal and strong case (although polished previously). Rolex bracelet with 93150 VB stamp. Seems to be ok to me.

Any big issues spotted by the pros?

Arigato gozaimasu!

[antrolexsub]

Pictures aren’t great but it appears to be a nice honest example. Can’t tell anything of the lume with those pictures though. The chamfer on that bottom left lug looks rather sharp in comparison to the rest of the watch? Might just be the pictures.

[Dan S]

Looks fine at first glance.

[XavierM]

I see:
- beautiful period correct dial/handset
- period correct bezel and insert
- seems to be a service 703 or 704 crown/tube assembly
- seems to be a service plexy

Needed for good evaluation:

Macro pictures of the dial and hands to assess originality and quality (defects, wrong font, relume etc)
Macro pictures of the reference number and serial would help with middle case authentification.
Macro pictures of inside the caseback to asses originality
Macro pictures of the movement.
Macro pictures of the endlinks and last link
Macro pictures of the clasp and diver extension

[fizz]

It's always better to post full-resolution images. The seller (reliable) has good images on their site though nothing about the movement. You should also ask for serial no and reference no pictures because sometimes those fade due to incorrectly installed end links.

The hands might be replacements or just aged differently. A UV test would be needed for sure.

End links seem correct (580) which is correct for a 93150.

Considering it comes with RSC service papers, the price seems good. If I were in the market for one of these, I would consider this for sure.

However, let some more experts chip in.

[Tensai]

Thanks all for input.
Thanks Fizz, you bring up some good points since you know the watch. I don't like the notion of replacement hands.
I am trying to figure out how to post the hi res pic.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Tensai

Thanks all for input.
Thanks Fizz, you bring up some good points since you know the watch. I don't like the notion of replacement hands.
I am trying to figure out how to post the hi res pic.

You will need to host it remotely and insert a BBCode link.

[ADINVA]

Originally Posted by Tensai

I am on hunt for a solid 5513 maxi dial with no problems. Hopefully I am learning, but not easy for sure.

This is represented as a 1978 model ('78 was a good year for me ;) with Mark 1 maxi dial, Mark 3 bezel, transitional domed crystal and strong case (although polished previously). Rolex bracelet with 93150 VB stamp. Seems to be ok to me.

Any big issues spotted by the pros?

Arigato gozaimasu!

Like yourself, I am enjoying this never ending learning journey. Enjoying every read in this forum. I am a strong believer that we should always stretch our brain. Learn what you enjoy and this is exactly what we all enjoy.

[swish77]

Not sure what a "transitional domed crystal" is, but that just looks like a flat service crystal.

Nice-looking Sub with a mediocre case, IMHO. Depends how picky you are about such things.

[XavierM]

Mediocre case is quite hard IMO, maybe not good enough for you to consider buying but not mediocre.

Not NOS, not Unpolished, but to me this is a good to very good case:
- Fat lugs, with flat sides and pin holes not too cratered.
- Chamfers there, maybe a bit wide for 1978 but manual finishing at this time so…
- Crown guards could be better but I have seen much worse and IMO good enough to buy and enjoy the watch as long as the dial is perfect and pleasant.
I would like to see if there is some pitting between mid case and case back and in the serial/ref number areas but to me, definitely a watch to consider for someone looking for a 5513.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by XavierM

Mediocre case is quite hard IMO, maybe not good enough for you to consider buying but not mediocre.

Not NOS, not Unpolished, but to me this is a good to very good case:
- Fat lugs, with flat sides and pin holes not too cratered.
- Chamfers there, maybe a bit wide for 1978 but manual finishing at this time so…
- Crown guards could be better but I have seen much worse and IMO good enough to buy and enjoy the watch as long as the dial is perfect and pleasant.
I would like to see if there is some pitting between mid case and case back and in the serial/ref number areas but to me, definitely a watch to consider for someone looking for a 5513.

Yes, when a watch is (presumably) in the $12K-$14K range, maybe more, we should be "hard." That's a lot of money.

I find that case has been over-refinished, which is a little different than over polished. The chamfers are over-done, and the crown guards have lost a lot of their shape. Lugs holes are very close to the end of the chamfers, especially the thinner lower right lug.

The rest of the watch is quite nice, but I find the case average (aka mediocre) at best. Again, some guys might not care, and that's OK too, but I'd rather pay more for a better case.

[XavierM]

Apparently my English got me wrong.
Mediocre comes from French and we tend (abusively) to use this word to describe something way below average like a 2/10.
If it is a 5/10 for you, I get it, not what I would rate but much closer so much more understandable :)

[Tensai]

Thank you for your comments and time.

Ultimately, for me, the condition of hands and other small issues raised here don’t justify the price, so my quest continues.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Tensai

Thank you for your comments and time.

Ultimately, for me, the condition of hands and other small issues raised here don’t justify the price, so my quest continues.

I don't know that anyone really criticized the hands, just mentioned that they deserved a closer look. There is a slight mismatch, but I don't think I would jump to conclusions based on those photos. While the case is not perfect, again I don't think it's bad enough to be a dealbreaker. The watch presents nice overall, and I think it could be a nice watch to wear at the right price. Since you haven't shared the asking price, I don't see how we could give you opinions as to value. Perhaps you can tell us the asking price as a courtesy, since members are giving you the benefit of their experience free of charge.

[Tensai]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I don't know that anyone really criticized the hands, just mentioned that they deserved a closer look. There is a slight mismatch, but I don't think I would jump to conclusions based on those photos. While the case is not perfect, again I don't think it's bad enough to be a dealbreaker. The watch presents nice overall, and I think it could be a nice watch to wear at the right price. Since you haven't shared the asking price, I don't see how we could give you opinions as to value. Perhaps you can tell us the asking price as a courtesy, since members are giving you the benefit of their experience free of charge.

Apologies, my mistake. The price starts with a 15:) Appreciate everyone’s input so much. It’s a good watch.

[TuRo]

Looks fine to me, everything is vaguely in keeping with everything else (notwithstanding crown/service plexi), but it's meters first money rather than feet first money at $15-16k imho. I suspect the hands are tritium originals and just darkened more (they are also slightly darker toward pinion). It is possible that they are replacement tritiums if the originals badly oxidised of course...either way, no biggie to me.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Tensai

Apologies, my mistake. The price starts with a 15:) Appreciate everyone’s input so much. It’s a good watch.

For whatever reason, people have been paying a premium for Mk1 Maxi dials for a long time now, and I don't know if you will find a decent example that is much cheaper. You can save a couple thousand by considering different variants.

[jedione65]

Originally Posted by Tensai

Apologies, my mistake. The price starts with a 15:) Appreciate everyone’s input so much. It’s a good watch.

I think most dealers I've seen will price similar examples around the same range these days. You could potentially find one cheaper from a non dealer but those are few a far and you would have to do your own homework on it.

[Filipão]

I am a big fan of the MK1 Maxi.

Plots are usually very white, which is a change from the vintage look and the "Zubmariner" printed is beautiful.

It won't look oldish, a downside for some, a plus for others.

The one the OP is showing is pretty decent, hands look correct as others have said and my biggest concern is the look of the service plexi.

A 5513 will only look the correct if the domed plexi is fitted, on mine I had a TrueDome D19 installed.

[Tensai]

Yes, agreed.
I really want that plexi to have more of an old school domed feel.
Here are some closer pics for those who were interested.
I am learning more with each try.
Thanks all again.

[jedione65]

Originally Posted by Filipão

I am a big fan of the MK1 Maxi.

Plots are usually very white, which is a change from the vintage look and the "Zubmariner" printed is beautiful.

It won't look oldish, a downside for some, a plus for others.

The one the OP is showing is pretty decent, hands look correct as others have said and my biggest concern is the look of the service plexi.

A 5513 will only look the correct if the domed plexi is fitted, on mine I had a TrueDome D19 installed.

Cureved dome plexi makes a difference on overall look.

[Derbs24]

My 1978 5513. It was my Dad's from new and now cared for by me. I have everything for it, including the original invoice, box, anchor, hang tag, warranty paperwork etc. Thanks to recommendations of the folks here, I sent it to Phillip Ridley for a service and now it's even better than ever!

[996marty]

Originally Posted by Derbs24

My 1978 5513. It was my Dad's from new and now cared for by me. I have everything for it, including the original invoice, box, anchor, hang tag, warranty paperwork etc. Thanks to recommendations of the folks here, I sent it to Phillip Ridley for a service and now it's even better than ever!

That looks fantastic

[Tensai]

Originally Posted by Derbs24

My 1978 5513. It was my Dad's from new and now cared for by me. I have everything for it, including the original invoice, box, anchor, hang tag, warranty paperwork etc. Thanks to recommendations of the folks here, I sent it to Phillip Ridley for a service and now it's even better than ever!

Awesome watch!

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by Derbs24

My 1978 5513. It was my Dad's from new and now cared for by me. I have everything for it, including the original invoice, box, anchor, hang tag, warranty paperwork etc. Thanks to recommendations of the folks here, I sent it to Phillip Ridley for a service and now it's even better than ever!

Fantastic!

[TuRo]

Lovely piece and to have all the trinketry incl the orig. North America supplied only, Bufkor box is great ｡⁠◕⁠‿⁠◕⁠｡

[007Sub]

Looks nice! Maxi mk1s are my fav matte dial variant.

[Derbs24]

Thanks everyone, I've decided to sell it to invest in other family projects, I just haven't taking the time to list it on the "for sale" area yet. I'm just not a collector and would like this in the hands of someone who will continue to preserve it and enjoy it even more than myself. I think this will be a rare opportunity for a 70's Sub collector. Very original, one-owner lineage with all the key pieces. Until I get the listing up, feel free to DM me if you are interested? Jason Allendale, MI.

[Derbs24]

Watch sold, didn't even get a chance to list it. Thanks everyone for the interest and messages.

[Dan S]

What a weird thread.