Journey to find my 5513 gilt

[mewmew]

I'm still hunting for my dream watch -Rolex 5513 gilt dial submariner. It seems to be impossible to find one in good condition that is reasonably priced!

I recently came across this 5513 gilt dial sub that is a bit pricey and slightly over my budget (it's offered at $31.5K). It does seem like this watch is over-polished, esp. in the crown guard area. Want to get your expert opinion on this watch.

Here are the pics:

[/IMG]

[Filipão]

Over polished certainly, but oh that dial is something else!

[harry in montreal]

What is seller saying about it? Anything about the lume Or the case bevels?

[btinl]

It's very difficult to determine the gilt dial condition with the images from the seller. There is discoloration around the edges. Some people would call it tropical; others would call it damage.

[Dan S]

Lugs seem to be refinished, but it doesn't seem like they made any effort on the crown guards.

[motoikkyu]

I think it's attractive, the over-polishing has been done with a decent degree of attention, but the price is horrifying. This will never be a museum piece and I feel like that's a museum-grade price. Is it a watch or an investment? Watches are not good investments, unless it's at the absolutely highest grade, so this is a beautiful watch to wear, but at a price that will make you hesitate to wear it. Isn't 30K still DRSD territory?

[btinl]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

I think it's attractive, the over-polishing has been done with a decent degree of attention, but the price is horrifying. This will never be a museum piece and I feel like that's a museum-grade price. Is it a watch or an investment? Watches are not good investments, unless it's at the absolutely highest grade, so this is a beautiful watch to wear, but at a price that will make you hesitate to wear it. Isn't 30K still DRSD territory?

nope, most good DRSDs seem to be higher now.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

I think it's attractive, the over-polishing has been done with a decent degree of attention, but the price is horrifying. This will never be a museum piece and I feel like that's a museum-grade price. Is it a watch or an investment? Watches are not good investments, unless it's at the absolutely highest grade, so this is a beautiful watch to wear, but at a price that will make you hesitate to wear it. Isn't 30K still DRSD territory?

I am seeing asking prices in that range pretty frequently for gilt 5513s with clean dials these days. It's a dealer price IMO, but I wouldn't say that it's a museum-grade price.

[mewmew]

Here's the description from seller:
"Excellent condition case that was previously polished. Lume reacts to UV light and then quickly dissipates which is correct for this era dial. The dial has a mirror-like finish with some patina developing towards the outside edge of the dial."

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

Isn't 30K still DRSD territory?

No, today a DRSD with a 100% perfect Mk4 dial is a factor of about 1,5-2 higher in price and very difficult to find, a Mk2 is even much more expensive.

[Woody]

That case looks to have been heavily polished to me, though it is over 50 years old so I guess it comes with the territory.....but I would never pay those prices for a tool watch that originally retailed for a few hundred dollars. I think the market is totally insane, but I guess it is what it is. Good luck with your search.

[motoikkyu]

Thanks to all who set me straight on the DRSD prices! What a ride! I was shocked with the Red Sub prices just two years ago. Museum-grade 5513 gilts at $40-45k seems very high, but I don't control the prices. When I started collecting, I could aspire to someday owning a MilSub, but those prices are now entry-level real estate values and I could never justify it. I get sticker shock with SS DateJusts at $5K, even though I know it's justified for many examples. If I continue to manifest signs of aging on this Forum, I'm glad to know you'll continue to be patient with me in the Brave New World!

[zapokee]

Good or cheap. Choose one.

[saxo3]

Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.

[RolexBrian]

Gilt is sweet

[1watch]

Can’t tell about the “patina” on dial edge from pics. I don’t like the case and that would rule it out for me anyway.


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[newkidonblock4]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLzTmJdr6bJ/

VintagerLX just posted this bart which looks pretty clean to me! Dial isn't as nice imo but from what I understand, its pretty tough to find even a decent bart.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by newkidonblock4

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLzTmJdr6bJ/

VintagerLX just posted this bart which looks pretty clean to me! Dial isn't as nice imo but from what I understand, its pretty tough to find even a decent bart.

Afraid link isn’t working. Can’t even find that Insta page

[athom]

I4d not buy this case...

[newkidonblock4]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Afraid link isn’t working. Can’t even find that Insta page

Sorry about that, I took a screenshot to make it easier.

Also, his IG page got deleted and he had to make a new one.

[swaini3]

Originally Posted by newkidonblock4

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLzTmJdr6bJ/

VintagerLX just posted this bart which looks pretty clean to me! Dial isn't as nice imo but from what I understand, its pretty tough to find even a decent bart.

Yea, well.... He sells at triple the price of others.... and then blocks you after insisting for your offer that does not pls him. lol

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Good or cheap. Choose one.

Amen

[XavierM]

Really do not like the case...

[1watch]

Originally Posted by newkidonblock4

Sorry about that, I took a screenshot to make it easier.

Also, his IG page got deleted and he had to make a new one.

This one has a nice and strong case. The gilt print is also a pleasing tone. Hard to find a Bart with a no-issues dial. This one has a few lume plot chips and maybe relumed hands. Would also need a long 5 insert to be period correct.

[donq]

Beautiful watch!