5513 Crystal change

[silkroaded]

Hi Folks,

I’ve been searching a while for a nice 5513 with perfect dial and recently picked up this mk2 Matte dial.

I am thinking of having a true dome installed to replace the service crystal but I’m wary of selecting a watchmaker to do this as I want to ensure no damage to the dial when this is being undertaken. I know it’s a quick and relatively simple task but I can’t tell you how many 5513s I have looked at with scratches on the dial.

I am based in the UK and wondered if anyone has any suggestions?

Thanks



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[linesiders]

Replacing the crystal does not require dial removal.

Send a note to True Dome, ask them if they have people they'd recommend in the UK to swap it out.

[silkroaded]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Replacing the crystal does not require dial removal.

Send a note to True Dome, ask them if they have people they'd recommend in the UK to swap it out.

Thanks, That's a good idea.

I know the dial doesn't have to be removed but it is exposed during the process.

[TuRo]

I'd prefer a service to an aftermarket personally ....notwithstanding True Dome is a v high quality aftermarket item granted.
Mint dial edge btw - no smudging or nibbles I can see btw, proper old ticker !

[silkroaded]

Originally Posted by TuRo

I'd prefer a service to an aftermarket personally ....notwithstanding True Dome is a v high quality aftermarket item granted.
Mint dial edge btw - no smudging or nibbles I can see btw, proper old ticker !

Thanks very much. I'm very happy with it. That said it took a long time to find. I got the itch for another 5513 around 6 months ago and i've been to view so many 5513 / 1680 with so called 'perfect dials', most of which did not require a loupe to see the scratches or oil stains.

They're certainly becoming harder to find! This one is definitely a keeper.

[Wing Zero]

I think the guy who sells true dome services watches. Might want to get in contact with him about installation.


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[hutch300]

Wing Z - Greg is based in NY. Not too convenient for someone in the UK. I would think someone here would know someone. Richard Askham in Yorkshire has done great work for me in the past. Feel free to PM for his contact info if needed.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by silkroaded

Hi Folks,

I am based in the UK and wondered if anyone has any suggestions?

Hello @silkroaded, I've had Bill from William Rice Watches in Yorkshire replace a service plexi for a D19 on my 5513.

Bill serviced it and hands were swapped to. I was delighted with him, so much that he paid me a visit in Portugal.

http://www.williamricewatches.com/contact.php

P.S. Nice watch!

[silkroaded]

Originally Posted by Filipão

Hello @silkroaded, I've had Bill from William Rice Watches in Yorkshire replace a service plexi for a D19 on my 5513.

Bill serviced it and hands were swapped to. I was delighted with him, so much that he paid me a visit in Portugal.

http://www.williamricewatches.com/contact.php

P.S. Nice watch!

Thanks Filipe, much appreciated.

what are your thoughts on the D19?

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by silkroaded

what are your thoughts on the D19?

I love it, it's the next best thing to the real McCoy, but freshly made, so it will stand crack free for a decade or two.

By then my 14 grandkids will ask you what's good...

Some more pics below.

Go for it!

[silkroaded]

Originally Posted by Filipão

I love it, it's the next best thing to the real McCoy, but freshly made, so it will stand crack free for a decade or two.

By then my 14 grandkids will ask you what's good...

Some more pics below.

Go for it!

Looks fantastic, condition on your Mk1 is outstanding! Love the snow white plots...

did you also swap out your 93150 clasp with a 93250 clasp? The bracelet in the pictures at service...

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by silkroaded

did you also swap out your 93150 clasp with a 93250 clasp? The bracelet in the pictures at service...

Wow, well spotted Sir!

Yes, I do have girlish wrists and one way of shortening the 6 o'clock side is to have a 93250 clasp with its half link.

But I keep all the originals bracelets stashed away, off coarse! ;-)

[TuRo]

https://youtu.be/_EfW9znJYjw

Girlish Wrist, reminded me of Tom Baker/Rowan Atkinson in Blackadder in 90's.

[Filipão]

@silkroaded

If you have a D19 installed, never ever clean it with a polishing/abrasive agent other than Poly Watch.

[silkroaded]

Originally Posted by Filipão

@silkroaded

If you have a D19 installed, never ever clean it with a polishing/abrasive agent other than Poly Watch.

D19 has arrived and awaiting install date from William Rice watches. Thanks for the referral Filipe, much appreciated.

[Arnozerosix]

Originally Posted by TuRo

I'd prefer a service to an aftermarket personally ....

this is a very personal opinion that might change the day you'll get your watch back from rolex with a service crystal...

To my eyes the service crystal is changing the original look of the watch and makes it look different with much less charm.... the true dome is keeping the original sex appeal of a vintage sub.

[Incroyable12]

Isn't this an extremely simple operation?

A skilled watchmaker can do this in 10 minutes.

[hutch300]

I have had my D19 on my 5513 for about two weeks and it transformed the watch. They are popular for a reason - the profile and clarity are top notch.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by Arnozerosix

this is a very personal opinion that might change the day you'll get your watch back from rolex with a service crystal...

To my eyes the service crystal is changing the original look of the watch and makes it look different with much less charm.... the true dome is keeping the original sex appeal of a vintage sub.

Absolument.

[silkroaded]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

Isn't this an extremely simple operation?

A skilled watchmaker can do this in 10 minutes.

It is! The problem is, I don’t personally know a skilled watchmaker here in the UK.

[Arnozerosix]

Originally Posted by silkroaded

It is! The problem is, I don’t personally know a skilled watchmaker here in the UK.

please apologize if i am openning an open door, but i am not sure what you are afraid of, this is something any qualified watchmaker can do...

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Arnozerosix

please apologize if i am openning an open door, but i am not sure what you are afraid of, this is something any qualified watchmaker can do...

You need somebody who has expertise in vintage Rolex, not the local watch shop guy whose bread and butter is changing batteries in Casio watches.

Finding somebody you can trust with your precious vintage Rolex isn't as easy as it sounds.

[Arnozerosix]

Originally Posted by zapokee

You need somebody who has expertise in vintage Rolex, not the local watch shop guy whose bread and butter is changing batteries in Casio watches.

Finding somebody you can trust with your precious vintage Rolex isn't as easy as it sounds.

The kind of guy you mentioned sitting in a 2sqm corner in any supermarket are not really what i meant by qualified watchmakers, for me these are more shoemakers...
In the past (at least where i live) any qualified horologist was following a training at rolex, and all these independant horologist are enough qualified for such basic operation.

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by silkroaded

It is! The problem is, I don’t personally know a skilled watchmaker here in the UK.

There are plenty in London and I know of one in Midhurst, J E Allnutt & Son.

It seems to me that changing a crystal on a vintage Rolex isn't very complex. It's not like trying to service an antique marine chronometer or tourbillon.

In fact, it's probably something you could do at home if you had the right equipment such as a bezel press.