Restoring 5513 Lugs / Case

[mohamedalimam]

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to check if anyone would consider refinishing a 1970 5513 (adding steel to the lugs to restore the correct dimensions of lugs), the lugs on my watch are really worn out and a bit thin. please note I am planning to keep the watch in my collection permanently.

And if it is a good idea any recommendations of places where this can be done with high skills.

Any thoughts would be helpful.

thanks,
M

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by mohamedalimam

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to check if anyone would consider refinishing a 1970 5513 (adding steel to the lugs to restore the correct dimensions of lugs), the lugs on my watch are really worn out and a bit thin. please note I am planning to keep the watch in my collection permanently.

And if it is a good idea any recommendations of places where this can be done with high skills.

Any thoughts would be helpful.

thanks,
M

I would consider it - thoiugh disclose if ever sold.

LA Watch Works ( http://www.lawatchworks.com/ ) arguably the best case work.

[TimeLord2]

Yes LAWW and Rolliworks, also in Cali.

[CF999]

In the uk chat with Rocco at Watchworks in Bristol.
See his web site��

[Mrpupsi]

I spoke to Rocco about thickening some lugs on a watch I was thinking of buying, but he just said he can’t do it.
I think the US is the only place you’ll be able to get this done.

[watchmaker]

Why not go with a service replacement case?

If you add steel to the case to restore it's shape and proportions it's not going to be 'original' anyway...

[Toronto Soup King]

LAWW did that job for me and my (old, undistinguished, service-parts-wearing) 5513 looks all the better for it. I wouldn't do it to a watch with provenance or a great all-original watch, but "just another old Sub"? Sure. Mine looks NEW now, just the way I like it.

[Gtp231]

I'm curious how these come out- I've seen some great welding

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Gtp231

I'm curious how these come out- I've seen some great welding

I believe if you search this site for either Rolliworks or LAWW you will find examples of some case work. Here's one from Rolliworks on page 13 at the very bottom of this thread: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...618472&page=13 Talking about thickening the lugs on a 1961 1675.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Gtp231

I'm curious how these come out- I've seen some great welding

This: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=618472

[TimeLord2]

Oh, and one more thing, This video discusses one persons opinion on LASER WELDING!! i hate the way he keeps saying LASER WELDING but he does bring up some interesting points to consider: https://youtu.be/nd7ge9UxJOU

[spoilsofwar01]

Originally Posted by mohamedalimam

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to check if anyone would consider refinishing a 1970 5513 (adding steel to the lugs to restore the correct dimensions of lugs), the lugs on my watch are really worn out and a bit thin. please note I am planning to keep the watch in my collection permanently.

And if it is a good idea any recommendations of places where this can be done with high skills.

Any thoughts would be helpful.

thanks,
M

Hi There, would it be possible to see a photo of the watch, I have a 1968 5513 and have been through the mill worrying about its condition, all of my concerns have been laid to rest by fellow members on the forum, you may be worrying un-necessarily, worth a thought

[bob78h]

Originally Posted by Toronto Soup King

LAWW did that job for me and my (old, undistinguished, service-parts-wearing) 5513 looks all the better for it. I wouldn't do it to a watch with provenance or a great all-original watch, but "just another old Sub"? Sure. Mine looks NEW now, just the way I like it.

I was under the impression that LAWW won't build up lugs to make them thicker. They laser weld and recut the chamfer area, but if for example your case sides have been polished down to where the spring bars stick out, they can't fix that.

[SeeDweller]

Originally Posted by mohamedalimam

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to check if anyone would consider refinishing a 1970 5513 (adding steel to the lugs to restore the correct dimensions of lugs), the lugs on my watch are really worn out and a bit thin. please note I am planning to keep the watch in my collection permanently.

And if it is a good idea any recommendations of places where this can be done with high skills.

Any thoughts would be helpful.

thanks,
M

So, take lots of pics and then send them to Beau and Erik at LAWW, and ALSO sent them to Mike Hui at Rolliworks. See who makes you feel the best about it. Tell you the truth - - - you can't make a bad decision with this one.

The other option is to just leave it alone and enjoy the Vintage look, ... which is what they both have told me with every watch I've asked if they'd "polish it a little"! They are both honesty, incarnate!

Enjoy the journey, my friend!

[Toronto Soup King]

Originally Posted by bob78h

I was under the impression that LAWW won't build up lugs to make them thicker. They laser weld and recut the chamfer area, but if for example your case sides have been polished down to where the spring bars stick out, they can't fix that.

There were some mighty dings in mine but the case was very thick, plenty to work with. I think they might have only filled in the dings and then recut/repolished, but the case looks new now, whether they added any overall thickness or not.

We could probably just ask Edvi, frankly.

[goldfixer21]

Originally Posted by bob78h

I was under the impression that LAWW won't build up lugs to make them thicker. They laser weld and recut the chamfer area, but if for example your case sides have been polished down to where the spring bars stick out, they can't fix that.

They may not do it, but it definitely can be done. I've done many of them, it's just VERY time consuming.

[Ssunnylee24]

Contact Mike @rolliworks.
See how mine turned out. Its pretty impressive.



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[Mr.Rolex1]

I would do this to my 5 digit subs but not a 4 digit...

[Lgear080]

LAWW did an amazing job on my 1680.

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by Ssunnylee24

Contact Mike @rolliworks.
See how mine turned out. Its pretty impressive.



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That is remarkable! Clearly some material had to be added. There’s just so much more there!


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[ROLLiWORKS]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

That is remarkable! Clearly some material had to be added. There’s just so much more there!


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Indeed we did. Not too much actually, just a bit of material to fill in what is missing. From there its much easier for our lappist to cut a nice tapering chamfer. His case was in fairly good condition and was a good starting point for us.


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[ROLLiWORKS]

Late 1960s 5513




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[ROLLiWORKS]

Late 1970s 5513




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[996marty]

Originally Posted by ROLLiWORKS

Late 1970s 5513




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That work looks stunning I need to check out your website

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by ROLLiWORKS

Late 1970s 5513




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Beautiful. I like a worn case with signs of a well lived life. But this new vintage look is appealing in a different way.


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