Is a submariner crown with no triplelock markers a deal breaker?

[andrewwood86]

Hi guys. I'm searching for my first vintage sub and the number of websites/articles out there regarding fakes and rebuilds is quite scary! Anyway, my question to the group is whether the lack of dots on the crown is enough to say that I shouldn't go near it?

See the picture below of an apparently 1970 non-serif 5513.

[watch-guy.com]

as well as over polished lugs

julian

[Paul]

The trip-lock crown (3 dots and superior water-proofing qualities) was introduced by Rolex in the very early 1970s'. It has also been fitted to many many earlier Submariners at service since then.

For me, a twin-lock crown ( no dots) like we see in the picture would be AOK as 'original spec' for a watch made in 1970.

[mattedialdoc]

As Paul said, you will find either a twin or trip lock depending on service history, etc.
I wouldn't worry either way. I choose to have a new triplock crown/tube on my vintage subs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[scooba]

Originally Posted by paul

the trip-lock crown (3 dots and superior water-proofing qualities) was introduced by rolex in the very early 1970s'. It has also been fitted to many many earlier submariners at service since then.

For me, a twin-lock crown ( no dots) like we see in the picture would be aok as 'original spec' for a watch made in 1970.

x2

[swish77]

Crowns, either way, are never a deal-breaker for me, as long as they're authentic. If you're a stickler, you could always track down the original style crown and have it replaced. However, I'd always prefer the best protection available from an updated crown, and I keep the original crown tucked away in a drawer.

[droptopman]

I prefer the old 700 crowns on vintage pieces. As long as they pass pressure testing. Not a deal breaker either way, but when I was shopping for a gilt, I did give higher rating to a watch with the original crown. They are somewhat hard to find and if you find NOS quite expensive.

[andrewwood86]

Thanks all. This is very helpful. I didn't know the triplock was only introduced in the 70s

[Frogman4me]

Never a deal breaker for me. One of the least important features to be concerned about and easily corrected if you even want to do it.

[linesiders]

Horrible!!! Send it my way and for a small fee I will exchange it for a shiny 703 Triplock!

[GG1680]

My Red Submariner with a 26----- series serial number has it's original crown without any dots, hence Twinlock. Rolex created the Triplock in 1970, but apparently only initially used it on the Sea-Dweller. 1977 is when they started using it on the Submariner. Since Rolex had switched back to all white lettering on the Sub by 1977, the "no dots" Twinlock is the period correct crown.

FROM BOB's WATCHES: Less than a decade later in 1977, Rolex furnished the Submariner collection with the Triplock winding crown and today all Rolex dive watches (Submariner, Sea-Dweller, and Deepsea) include this feature. The water resistance of the Submariner is 300 meters, the Sea-Dweller is 1,220 meters, and the Deepsea is 3,900 meters.

[Dr.Smellody]

Originally Posted by scooba

x2

X's 3

[TimeToGo]

.
7 Years Later.....

But What about Bob?
.

[TuRo]

Prefer a big crown t/lock, but no deal would be scuppered over one for me.

[Dan S]

If you are concerned that the watch is fake, you should show more photos, not just the crown.