5513 Pearl insert

[WatchWalker]

Last week I picked up this 5513. It's a 1967 example which was daily worn until recently. As far as I could trace it was never serviced (and it shows). It runs still very accurate though despite the heavy wear on case, acrylic and bracelet.
I have a question for this community: what is your opinion on this pearl insert on the bezel. It looks almost off center which could indicate a fake or a poor replacement. Yet again, it has the same creamy discolouring as the other lumen parts. Maybe it's just because it is that dirty that it looks off? The watch was super dirty when I got it and I tried to clean it with some soap but since I doubt it is waterproof I don't dare to exaggerate. My plan is to bring it to RSC Brussels and get it fully serviced, maybe replace the acrylic as well?

[petereoin]

Looks original to me with long 5 insert

Before replacing the crystal, try using a small bit of toothpaste to polish out the marks.

Nice find

[leebo]

Wow 49 year old watch, looks great to me, I'd be tempted to leave it exactly as it is.

[sfc rick]

Originally Posted by petereoin

Looks original to me with long 5 insert

Before replacing the crystal, try using a small bit of toothpaste to polish out the marks.

Nice find

I agree, it would certainly improve the clarity and he has nothing to lose if he eventually has the crystal replaced.

[Jamiewabbit]

Don't use water! It is not tested yet!

[droptopman]

Watch looks great. Big congrats!
Polywatch or toothpaste and a low speed dremel will fix that plexiglass right up. Definitely get it pressure tested at a minimum.

[swish77]

Insert looks fine. The pearl placement is slightly off on a lot of old Sub inserts. They're not all absolutely perfect.

[brandrea]

Congrats on a great piece.

I would not take to RSC for service, but rather find an independent vintage expert. I'm sure some of our European members can chime in.

Enjoy that beauty, mine from 67 says hello

[jdog111578]

Agreed, they can be slightly off-center with some of the old inserts. Beautiful pickup!

And for what its worth, try the polywatch over the toothpaste. I think it gives better results and besides, who the hell wants their wrist smelling like mint all the time.

[WatchWalker]

Thank you for the advice!

[WatchWalker]

Why no RSC? Aren't they the best place to go to make sure all internals run in perfect condition?

[petereoin]

Originally Posted by Ambiorix

Why no RSC? Aren't they the best place to go to make sure all internals run in perfect condition?

Most watch collectors want to keep their watches as original as possible. RSC would replace any warn or old parts to bring it back to factory standards (this might include replacing the bezel insert, hands, crystal, etc.)

So it is best to find an independent watch maker with a Rolex parts account, give instructions to only service internal parts.

[Black Bay Dan]

Originally Posted by Ambiorix

Why no RSC? Aren't they the best place to go to make sure all internals run in perfect condition?

RSC are fine. You just need to agree what you would like done and which parts you don't want replaced. All the work I have done by RSC has been perfect. Good luck

Dan

[WatchWalker]

Originally Posted by Air King Dan

RSC are fine. You just need to agree what you would like done and which parts you don't want replaced. All the work I have done by RSC has been perfect. Good luck

Dan

Exactly what I was thinking. Either RSC Brussel or Keulen should be able to help me out. Sure I want to keep the original vintage aspect but under the hood things should be perfect. I sincerely hope they'll give me a chance to decide before they rip it apart and turn it into a refurbished watch. It just feels so much more trustworthy to deal with Rolex directly, even if it means a higher bill. I cannot imagine they would not respect the genuine look of vintage.

[R-H]

Welcome to the 67 / 5513 club, very nice watch you have, it's hard to see from your photos, but after time with heavy wear the acrylic pearl can flatten out some, giving the appearance of being off center, mine was flattened out so much you could not see the bottom of the marker. Here's a before and after on mine, I was able to find a new pearl and had it replaced. Take a little time deciding were to take yours for overhaul, when I had mine done most suggested against RSC for vintage repairs do to Rolex wanting the watch to be brought back to as new standards, many have lost the original dials, hands, crown & tubes & old parts were not returned, this may have changed, as I am no expert on the subject, but do the home work for what's best for you.
Good Luck with yours, and post photos when you get it back.


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Good Luck with yours

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by R-H

Welcome to the 67 / 5513 club, very nice watch you have, it's hard to see from your photos, but after time with heavy wear the acrylic pearl can flatten out some, giving the appearance of being off center, mine was flattened out so much you could not see the bottom of the marker. Here's a before and after on mine, I was able to find a new pearl and had it replaced. Take a little time deciding were to take yours for overhaul, when I had mine done most suggested against RSC for vintage repairs do to Rolex wanting the watch to be brought back to as new standards, many have lost the original dials, hands, crown & tubes & old parts were not returned, this may have changed, as I am no expert on the subject, but do the home work for what's best for you.
Good Luck with yours, and post photos when you get it back.


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Good Luck with yours