1966 5513 without bracelet

[robinmgb]

I’m looking at buying a 5513, most have bracelets and often newer clasps.
I hadn’t really considered one without a bracelet but on a leather strap as thought that was too unoriginal.
The 1966 I’m looking at has a decent case, original dial, hands and insert, how much value is lost by not having the bracelet?
Any opinions welcomed to help me negotiate, sorry can’t upload pics as files to large

[Dan S]

In comparison with a 1966 5513 with a rivet bracelet, I would discount it by roughly the value of the bracelet.

[swish77]

When hunting for a vintage Submariner, the bracelet is fairly far down on my list of priorities. It's not irrelevant, but I'd focus on the watch head. You can always track down a bracelet separately, either age correct or a later version that would work well.

As for the photos, it's very easy to resize and upload. Let's see what you're looking at.

[SOG DIVER]

I have a 1960 -5512 Submariner with a series of NATO bands. They are durable for a variety of watch wear demands, AND they really secure your watch from loss as on an Atlantic fishing trip or boating in the Thames. Leather absorbs while being impossible to wash in any practical way.
Also keep in mind that a 9315 or 93150 bracelet will work and wear longer than its riveted
counterpart.

[TuRo]

Very VERY crudely discount £2500 7206, £1500 9315, £1200 7836, £1000 93150, £800 78360, £800 6251h £600 62510h..... but the head condition is everything and prime consideration.
66 will be a Singer 5 ticks (spacing of T25 across the footer) white writing matte meters first with most likely no-glow after UV removed or a very early zinc sulphide high glow but fast to decline eg 5 to 15 secs Lume when UV taken away.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Very VERY crudely discount £2500 7206, £1500 9315, £1200 7836, £1000 93150, £800 78360, £800 6251h £600 62510h..... but the head condition is everything and prime consideration.
66 will be a Singer 5 ticks (spacing of T25 across the footer) white writing matte meters first with most likely no-glow after UV removed or a very early zinc sulphide high glow but fast to decline eg 5 to 15 secs Lume when UV taken away.

This is what this forum should be all about. Great knowledge sharing as ever. OP, as stated by others, concentrate on the watch itself. Bracelets are relatively easy to come by and a nato looks so cool on any old Sub.

[Filipão]

Bracelets are a bit like tyres.

If you have an old motorcycle you'd love to have it on original Dunlops.

But would you feel safe riding it on original Dunlops?

If you plan to wear your 5513 regularly get a solid links.

[Old Expat Beast]

In the 1960s, official Rolex dealers used to supply Tropic rubber straps similar to this one. Functional and pretty much style-correct for the period. Here's my later 5513 on one that I purchased from WatchGecko.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

In the 1960s, official Rolex dealers used to supply Tropic rubber straps similar to this one. Functional and pretty much style-correct for the period. Here's my later 5513 on one that I purchased from WatchGecko.

That's interesting, I never knew that about Tropic straps from Rolex dealers, but I think the watch looks great, Adam. I personally prefer that look to a NATO.

In general, I like Tropic straps very much, not just the classic style, but the Sport and especially the Star. And I have a bunch of dive watches on new reproduction and vintage Tropic straps. I've been pleasantly surprised how well the authentic Tropic straps hold up, they must have used good rubber. And if you use the boiling water in a coffee mug trick, a new Tropic (or good quality knock-off) can be very comfortable from day one.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Dan S

That's interesting, I never knew that about Tropic straps from Rolex dealers, but I think the watch looks great, Adam. I personally prefer that look to a NATO.

In general, I like Tropic straps very much, not just the classic style, but the Sport and especially the Star. And I have a bunch of dive watches on new reproduction and vintage Tropic straps. I've been pleasantly surprised how well the authentic Tropic straps hold up, they must have used good rubber. And if you use the boiling water in a coffee mug trick, a new Tropic (or good quality knock-off) can be very comfortable from day one.

Thanks, yes I prefer these to NATO traps, too. This one was very supple right out of the pack, and didn't need the hot water treatment, but I've done that with a couple of Seiko dive straps that were pretty stiff.

This article says Rolex dealers and even RSCs were selling Tropics into the late 1990s: https://magazine.bulangandsons.com/b...er-watch-strap

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

In the 1960s, official Rolex dealers used to supply Tropic rubber straps similar to this one. Functional and pretty much style-correct for the period. Here's my later 5513 on one that I purchased from WatchGecko.

Looks fantastic. I sometimes throw a Tropic on my 1680 and love it. Thought I was the only one though…

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Looks fantastic. I sometimes throw a Tropic on my 1680 and love it. Thought I was the only one though…

Thanks, we should maybe get a thread going - Vintage Subs on Tropics