My grand-father's Rolex

[kaplOw]

I was able to retrieve my grand-father's old Rolex Submariner today. It's a bit beat up and scratched up but still retains its charm. I was told that he bought it in the 70s but I can't be too sure. I've done some searching and it looks like it's this one. However I would really appreciate if someone who, unlike me, actually knows their stuff could tell me a bit more about it, like a more exact year, specs, how much it's worth, etc :).

Side note (probably a stupid question), I've never handled a Rolex before, but is the bezel supposed to be a bit tough to rotate? This one doesn't do any clicking sound, just one smooth rotation, but requires a bit of force. Is that normal?

Thanks!

[seattleal]

It is a reference 5513, and looks more like a gilt/gloss, not a matte dial. Is the ROLEX and other print gold or white in color? Is the dial shiny black or flat black?

If gold and shiny it is a gilt/gloss, making it less common and more valuable, especially in the condition yours appears to be in. Based on the dial style, it would date to 1965+/-. If you could remove the bracelet from the 6 o'clock side and read the serial number engraved between the lugs, we can better estimate date of manufacture, and verify whether gilt/gloss or matte.

We don't encourage discussion of exact value, but it is worth more than 10k US.

The bezel is bi-directional, and should turn more easily if you press down, then turn.

If you are going to keep the watch it likely needs service - send it somewhere specializing in vintage Rolex. Do Not send it to a Rolex authorized dealer or service center.

[kaplOw]

Originally Posted by seattleal

That looks more like a gilt/gloss, not a matte dial. Is the ROLEX and other print gold or white in color? Is the dial shiny black or flat black?

If gold and shiny it is a gilt/gloss, making it less common and more valuable, especially in the condition yours appears to be in. Based on the dial style, it would date to 1965+/-.

We don't encourage discussion of exact value, but it is worth more than 10k US.

The bezel is bi-directional, and should turn more easily if you press down, then turn.

If you are going to keep the watch it likely needs service - send it somewhere specializing in vintage Rolex. Do Not send it to a Rolex authorized dealer or service center.

Thank you for the reply!

The print does appear to be gold and shiny, unless it's due to aging but it seems too reflective for it to be the case. I'll try to take the bracelet off once I get the spring bar tool I ordered.

I'll be looking into having it serviced since this is a watch I'd like to keep and hopefuly pass down myself, thanks for the advice! Does anyone know of a good place for that in Canada?

[seattleal]

Originally Posted by kaplOw

Thank you for the reply!

The print does appear to be gold and shiny, unless it's due to aging but it seems too reflective for it to be the case. I'll try to take the bracelet off once I get the spring bar tool I ordered.

I'll be looking into having it serviced since this is a watch I'd like to keep and hopefuly pass down myself, thanks for the advice! Does anyone know of a good place for that in Canada?

Glossy dials become less shiny and more matte-like as they age. If it is still shiny it is in great condition.

I know you live in Canada, but if you can send that watch to ABC Watchwerks in Los Angeles, that would be my suggestion as to where to have it serviced.

Here is a recent post about a recent experience another member had with a similar sub:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=421191

and here is my 1965 gilt/gloss 5513, before and after ABC did their magic-

[LVSubmariner]

Nice that will clean up beautifully

[kaplOw]

I'll save that link. there's a chance I might have to move to California for work in the next few months, so I'll probably just wait until then. Thanks!

[05carbondrz]

That is an extremely special Watch that You have there.Be very careful with it and wear it with pride.

[kaplOw]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

That is an extremely special Watch that You have there.Be very careful with it and wear it with pride.

Thank you! I'm seriously considering just never wearing it. Just holding it in my hands stresses me out!

[jmiicustomz]

Originally Posted by kaplOw

Thank you! I'm seriously considering just never wearing it. Just holding it in my hands stresses me out!

It's ment to be worn and tougher than you think. Wear it, make your grandfather proud and keep it serviced, you will be glad you did!

[bdex75]

Get it serviced by a vintage service expert and wear it. Your grandfather would have wanted you to enjoy it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kaplOw]

I just realized the lugs were drilled through, duh, so I got the bracelet off. It reads 388127:

[Dr.Smellody]

Grandpa had great taste.

[Kingsking]

Where in Canada do you live?, Also what are the numbers on the other side between the lugs.

For once this is a "Granda Rolex " story that didnt end badly lol

[kaplOw]

Originally Posted by Kingsking

Where in Canada do you live?, Also what are the numbers on the other side between the lugs.

For once this is a "Granda Rolex " story that didnt end badly lol

The other side just says 5513. I live in Quebec at the moment.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by seattleal

Glossy dials become less shiny and more matte-like as they age. If it is still shiny it is in great condition.



I know you live in Canada, but if you can send that watch to ABC Watchwerks in Los Angeles, that would be my suggestion as to where to have it serviced.



Here is a recent post about a recent experience another member had with a similar sub:



http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=421191



and here is my 1965 gilt/gloss 5513, before and after ABC did their magic-

How much does ABC charge to do that do you want?

[greekbum]

It looks like a very nice untouched example and very valuable as is. (i would not touch it myself) Its a 1.3 million serial.

[kaplOw]

Originally Posted by greekbum

It looks like a very nice untouched example and very valuable as is. (i would not touch it myself) Its a 1.3 million serial.

Sorry I'm not super knowledgeable about this stuff, what are the implications of it being a 1.3 million serial?

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by kaplOw

Sorry I'm not super knowledgeable about this stuff, what are the implications of it being a 1.3 million serial?

It means that the manufacture date was 1964, and the dial is original to the watch.

Looks like a very nice original example of a Gilt 5513. Congrats!

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

It means that the manufacture date was 1964, and the dial is original to the watch.

Looks like a very nice original example of a Gilt 5513. Congrats!

A 1.3 serial number would be 1966, not 1964
(as seen here on Phillipp's RolexPassionReport chart)

[roll9]

Great watch.
Enjoy.

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

A 1.3 serial number would be 1966, not 1964
(as seen here on Phillipp's RolexPassionReport chart)

I'll have to politely disagree. I've owned 1.2mil watches that were sold new in 1964.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

I'll have to politely disagree. I've owned 1.2mil watches that were sold new in 1964.

I'm certainly not disputing your claim, Michael. Just providing info. found on Phillipp Stahl's serial number chart from his site.
That said, a 1.3 serial still could easily be a 1966 gilt (my '66 gilt is 1,37X,XXX)

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

I'm certainly not disputing your claim, Michael. Just providing info. found on Phillipp Stahl's serial number chart from his site.
That said, a 1.3 serial still could easily be a 1966 gilt (my '66 gilt is 1,37X,XXX)

Totally understood, hope you didn't feel I was attacking your comment in anyway. I was simply disagreeing with Philipp's chart.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

Totally understood, hope you didn't feel I was attacking your comment in anyway. I was simply disagreeing with Philipp's chart.

No worries, mate. And I LOVE a good chart disagreement!

[Livermoron]

That thing is nice. Get It cleaned up as suggested by somebody who knows what's up and wear it with pride. Nice inheritance. that time piece will look just as nice on your grandsons wrist one day as your wrist today And your grandad' wrist 40 years ago.

[kaplOw]

My grand-father kept telling me since I was a kid that his Rolex would be mine one day, but today was the first time I've seen it in person at 25! Too bad he's not around anymore to see me wear it. I'll definitely take great care of it.

Thanks for all the great comments and advices guys!

[CaveDiver]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

A 1.3 serial number would be 1966, not 1964
(as seen here on Phillipp's RolexPassionReport chart)

I question that chart . Cheers. 2.7 mil serial for example.

[CaveDiver]

Nice watch and something to cherish as well.
As for the bezel. Yes, they can be tight. Try pushing down on the bezel when rotating. It should help.

Cd

[mapalfa]

Personally I wouldn't have it cleaned up, just mechanically serviced. It has a history, as do all vintage watches, but this one has history that is personal to you and your family.

Even the missing bezel pip tells a story I'm sure.

[subtona]

Gasket & Movement service and clean out the gunk under the bezel so it rotates smoothly.

It's a beauty.