Buying My First Vintage Sub

[RJC1]

Hey guys, I'm am going to buy my first vintage watch and I'm looking to buy a 5513 meters first. Probably around 67'. I've been doing a lot of research trying to find out what to look for. I know I would like to get one with an original dial and hands, and a bezel insert original to the model. As I plan on wearing it daily, I would like it to be on a newer bracelet, maybe a 93150.

I was planning on buying it from a reputable vintage dealer like HQ Milton or 10 past ten.

Does anyone know what the most modern bracelet is that will fit on a 5513?

Could you guys give me any advice on what to stay away from and what to look for in my search?

Thanks for the help!

[Gliderguy]

I have started the vintage road recently and had the same questions. Very kind and knowledgeable people here told me the following:
-Bracelet could be a nice 93150
-Stay away from unknown dealers and good offers , downside is you will pay a higher price.
-Buy the best quality you can afford.

[brandrea]

Above advice is good.

This is exactly what I bought from a trusted seller here and I love it! Since all threads need pictures .....here is my 67.

I had a lot of help from the folks here when I started my search. It's took just over 8 months to find what I wanted.

As mentioned above most of the value is in the dial and hands matching. Also, the case not being over polished and as close to original as possible is important as well. I wanted a mint example, so it was also important to me to have the original braclet, crown, and plexi crystal.

[RJC1]

Thanks for the info. What do you guys think of this one....
http://www.hqmilton.com/watches/1967...meters-first13

[Aceldama]

If we end up agreeing to a price on a '72 5513, I'll be paying Jacek a visit this week. I can take some "in hand" pics of that one for you.

[RJC1]

Originally Posted by Aceldama

If we end up agreeing to a price on a '72 5513, I'll be paying Jacek a visit this week. I can take some "in hand" pics of that one for you.

That would be awesome. Thanks. I considered flying out there to buy one.

[Gliderguy]

Wow, what a pleasure it would be to be able to handle the watch before buying. Not a possibility for me though.

[JohnnyNoDate]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Above advice is good.

This is exactly what I bought from a trusted seller here and I love it! Since all threads need pictures .....here is my 67.

I had a lot of help from the folks here when I started my search. It's took just over 8 months to find what I wanted.

As mentioned above most of the value is in the dial and hands matching. Also, the case not being over polished and as close to original as possible is important as well. I wanted a mint example, so it was also important to me to have the original braclet, crown, and plexi crystal.

That's a really nice 5513!

I also want to add, it took me about 8 months to find my 5513 MF.

You will never find that "perfect" original condition piece unless you're looking for NOS. You need to balance your expectations and only commit to a piece when it's exactly what you want (i.e.: price vs condition).

You will also learn every detail about your reference. It's a learning curve, so by the 100th version you see, you will be able to notice the important details and make a smart decision to buy or pass.

I also keep folders of near NOS photos so I can always reference potential pieces against them. Make sure your NOS photos are from a reputable source.

The final step is to use the forums here to gather their thoughts and opinions! If they approve, it's probably good to go!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by JohnnyNoDate

That's a really nice 5513!

I also want to add, it took me about 8 months to find my 5513 MF.

You will never find that "perfect" original condition piece unless you're looking for NOS. You need to balance your expectations and only commit to a piece when it's exactly what you want (i.e.: price vs condition).

You will also learn every detail about your reference. It's a learning curve, so by the 100th version you see, you will be able to notice the important details and make a smart decision to buy or pass.

I also keep folders of near NOS photos so I can always reference potential pieces against them. Make sure your NOS photos are from a reputable source.

The final step is to use the forums here to gather their thoughts and opinions! If they approve, it's probably good to go!

Thank you

It was a one owner watch prior to my purchase

[RJC1]

So what do you guys think of this one????

http://www.hqmilton.com/watches/1967...meters-first13

[nick c]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Above advice is good.

This is exactly what I bought from a trusted seller here and I love it! Since all threads need pictures .....here is my 67.

I had a lot of help from the folks here when I started my search. It's took just over 8 months to find what I wanted.

As mentioned above most of the value is in the dial and hands matching. Also, the case not being over polished and as close to original as possible is important as well. I wanted a mint example, so it was also important to me to have the original braclet, crown, and plexi crystal.

Beauty Brian

[Toronto Soup King]

Originally Posted by RJC1

Thanks for the info. What do you guys think of this one....
http://www.hqmilton.com/watches/1967...meters-first13

Jeepers, price has gone up. Admittedly my old 5513 was head only and has the WGS dial (which give them some credit is actually handsome when the lume ages a bit) but this watch is over $5K more expensive than I paid only a year ago. Vintage collecting is a strange beast, with us willing to pay so much more for originality. Looking forward to seeing what you end up with!

[Gliderguy]

This is my maxi dial 5513. Not NOS but I love it. Can´t get enough of it. Bought it from Andrew Shear, this was my first vintage and Andrew showed extreme patience with me. Very reccomendable guy.

[RJC1]

Originally Posted by Gliderguy

This is my maxi dial 5513. Not NOS but I love it. Can´t get enough of it. Bought it from Andrew Shear, this was my first vintage and Andrew showed extreme patience with me. Very reccomendable guy.

Thanks, I was looking at his website. That's a great maxi dail 5513!!

[Gliderguy]

Andrew´s website has not been updated in a while. Haven´t heard from him lately.

[Aceldama]

Wrong thread...

[Acascio]

maybe I can revive this thread?? As I am looking for a vintage sub and am new to this process. Another thread introduced me to ref 14060 which may have changed my mind since this will be close to a daily wear watch. Any thoughts????

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by nick c

Beauty Brian

Thanks my friend

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Acascio

maybe I can revive this thread?? As I am looking for a vintage sub and am new to this process. Another thread introduced me to ref 14060 which may have changed my mind since this will be close to a daily wear watch. Any thoughts????

A 5513 with a plexi crystal would be perfect for daily use. I personally would rather have the 5513 first.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by Jason71

A 5513 with a plexi crystal would be perfect for daily use. I personally would rather have the 5513 first.

Agree - plexi almost always blows away the sapphire

[Acascio]

I'm Leaning towards a 14060 early 90's with some tritum markers, 2 line... Seem's like it can be the best of both worlds for a daily wear

[Qinhan]

Originally Posted by Acascio

I'm Leaning towards a 14060 early 90's with some tritum markers, 2 line... Seem's like it can be the best of both worlds for a daily wear

As an owner of an early 90's, 2-line, tritium-dial 14060, I can thoroughly recommend this watch. As you say, it's great for daily wear. Just be aware that many wouldn't consider it vintage.

[Acascio]

Originally Posted by Qinhan

As an owner of an early 90's, 2-line, tritium-dial 14060, I can thoroughly recommend this watch. As you say, it's great for daily wear. Just be aware that many wouldn't consider it vintage.

Have you got any patina on your markers? I know this wouldn't be considered vintage but I feel it's the closest in terms of "looks" without going for full matte dial etc...

[Qinhan]

It has plenty of vintage characteristics (eg. Case size, steel bezel, tritium markers, etc) mixed with some more modern elements (movement, sapphire crystal, glossy dial). It's a nice mix of vintage and modern qualities, if that is what you are looking for.

So far, I've only got minimal signs of wear and patina on mine, despite it being 23 years young.

[blowfish89]

Best of both worlds - matte dial early 80s 16800 - 60s patina plus sapphire crystal

[Acascio]

Originally Posted by Qinhan

It has plenty of vintage characteristics (eg. Case size, steel bezel, tritium markers, etc) mixed with some more modern elements (movement, sapphire crystal, glossy dial). It's a nice mix of vintage and modern qualities, if that is what you are looking for.

So far, I've only got minimal signs of wear and patina on mine, despite it being 23 years young.

Awesome picture!!! I wonder why no change in color after so long ? Do you not keep it out often?

[Acascio]

Originally Posted by blowfish89

Best of both worlds - matte dial early 80s 16800 - 60s patina plus sapphire crystal

That's a beauty, this is the model I started to look at but am intimidated by buying vintage for some reason

[RJC1]

As long as you're reviving this thread, here is what I bought from Andrew Shear for my first vintage rolex...

[jacko1]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Agree - plexi almost always blows away the sapphire

where can i get a good quality plexti for my gmt master 1975

[judson]

Wow. Awesome watches guys.