First Vintage Post - The 5513 Birth Year Quest Begins!

[The Waddler]

So, I generally post in the other part of the site and after my thread on the main Rolex General Discussion board titled "I Had To Walk Away" (https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=308174) I have decided to start my quest for a 1976 5513 in earnest. 1976 being the year of my birth. The 5513 because I fell in love with it as a small boy in Live and Let Die.

The first thing I did, rather than trawl the internet, was to send a message to David SW and ask if he sourced them or if he knew anyone that did. It seemed a solid place to start seeing as he has such a good reputation. He recommended Jacek Kozubec who I'm currently at the beginning stages of an email dialogue with. Btw, have any of you more experienced vintage guys dealt with him? Am I in safe hands?

Anyway, I don't know if anyone on here read my other thread but I thought I'd start my own little "Quest Thread" and I thought this would be the place to post it, rather on the main board. I'll also be frequenting the vintage boards much more regularly now to learn as much as I possibly can.

I've also decided that after the 5513 I really want to get a Moon Watch and a vintage baby Plo Prof, and that will be my little collection - alongside my GMT.

Anyway, thanks for reading, here's to my dangerous new vintage obsession

[Vincent65]

Good luck - no worries with Jacek. Also have a look at the vintage dealers thread - all good stuff in there.

[Cc1966]

Good luck...perhaps a post in the wanted section of the forum.

[pdoukas]

Jacek is top notch. I have purchased a 1675, two 1680's (one is a red) and a 5513 from him. All were precisely as described and his communication and customer service is something that 99% of most businesses could learn from. I would not hesitate buying from him again.

[Shade]

Omg Jacek!!! Im worried!!!!

Because he will offer you so many options and you'll have a hard time choosing! Lol!

Jacek is a great guy - no worries. His shop is HQ Milton down somewhere in the states..

[The Waddler]

Originally Posted by Shade

Omg Jacek!!! Im worried!!!!

Because he will offer you so many options and you'll have a hard time choosing! Lol!

Jacek is a great guy - no worries. His shop is HQ Milton down somewhere in the states..

OMG, I've had it haven't I?!

I also sent an email to Andrew Shear after reading good reviews about him. I'm sure if I'm going to get what I'm after one of these two guys will be able to help out.

I'm also under the impression that they are slightly cheaper in the States compared to the shops in London, plus the lack of 20% VAT is very attractive...

Well, let's see what I'm presented with. But I guess I'll manage my expectations and wait a while as good examples of 5513's from a specific year aren't growing on trees

[swish77]

Originally Posted by The Waddler

OMG, I've had it haven't I?!

I also sent an email to Andrew Shear after reading good reviews about him. I'm sure if I'm going to get what I'm after one of these two guys will be able to help out.

I'm also under the impression that they are slightly cheaper in the States compared to the shops in London, plus the lack of 20% VAT is very attractive...

Well, let's see what I'm presented with. But I guess I'll manage my expectations and wait a while as good examples of 5513's from a specific year aren't growing on trees

You cannot go wrong with Andrew or Jacek. Both are top-notch and get stunning pieces. (There are other great vintage sellers listed on this forum too.) If you only want a '76, you'll need to be patient, and keep in mind that our understanding of exact years based on serial numbers sometimes isn't so exact. And I believe Rolex might have stopped stamping the year on the inside of the casebacks around that time, so knowing an exact year of production can be tough. Even paperwork that accompanies watches can be misleading, because a Sub from '76 could be sold in, say, '78. Good luck with your search!

[DrLindaPhD]

Originally Posted by The Waddler

So, I generally post in the other part of the site and after my thread on the main Rolex General Discussion board titled "I Had To Walk Away" (https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=308174) I have decided to start my quest for a 1976 5513 in earnest. 1976 being the year of my birth. The 5513 because I fell in love with it as a small boy in Live and Let Die.

The first thing I did, rather than trawl the internet, was to send a message to David SW and ask if he sourced them or if he knew anyone that did. It seemed a solid place to start seeing as he has such a good reputation. He recommended Jacek Kozubec who I'm currently at the beginning stages of an email dialogue with. Btw, have any of you more experienced vintage guys dealt with him? Am I in safe hands?

Anyway, I don't know if anyone on here read my other thread but I thought I'd start my own little "Quest Thread" and I thought this would be the place to post it, rather on the main board. I'll also be frequenting the vintage boards much more regularly now to learn as much as I possibly can.

I've also decided that after the 5513 I really want to get a Moon Watch and a vintage baby Plo Prof, and that will be my little collection - alongside my GMT.

Anyway, thanks for reading, here's to my dangerous new vintage obsession

I want a 5512 or 5513 (as long as it is a no date, I don't care) and a Moonphase as well. Make sure you start saving. The 5512/13 are not too bad compared to a good Moonphase. They are out there. Really out there. I'm hoping to snag one in rough shape and get it restored.

[The Waddler]

Originally Posted by DrLindaPhD

I want a 5512 or 5513 (as long as it is a no date, I don't care) and a Moonphase as well. Make sure you start saving. The 5512/13 are not too bad compared to a good Moonphase. They are out there. Really out there. I'm hoping to snag one in rough shape and get it restored.

I hear you. I want a 5513 because of the Roger Moore/James Bond thing and falling in love with it as a kid - I also think the dial is nicer with just the 2 lines. Good luck with your hunt!

[bde]

I've heard great things about Andrew, and have personal experience with Jacek. I bought a birth year 1680 from Jacek, and couldn't be happier!

Good luck in the hunt...that's half the fun!

[cop414]

Good luck Alex, keep us posted on the hunt. BTW, I think that the Ploprof is one of the most iconic dive watches out there.

[John in MA]

Good luck with hunt for a 76. I was lucky and eventually came across a 1680 from 76 on ebAy that I took the plunge on and it worked out. It's a nice feeling being able to have a birth year from 76 IMO as they are harder to find. Was always able to find 75 and 77's but those 76 were harder.

[Mark020]

Nice 1680 here: click !

[The Waddler]

That looks gorgeous Mark and it's 1976. Unfortunately for me it has to be the no date 5513 - it's all about it being Roger Moore's watch in Live and Let Die! But it's so nice of you to post that link mate

[Mark020]

Well: not too scare you off but it took me 9 months to find a 1972 5513 for a friend :-)

[onehotchili]

got my birth year 5513 from Jacek... a IV 1970. A great daily tool watch which I wear 95% of the time. here is a recent pic with a "summer" NATO strap. in the Fall, i'll switch back to the bracelet or one of a couple vintage leather straps. it is great to switch it up!

[mysonsrolex]

best of luck ... I am a 76 drop also and have been told it's one of the harder years to source.

I will be beginning my search shortly so keep us updated on how you get on!!

[damo_t]

Good luck OP on your quest. I read your other thread and felt for you.

Enjoy the search, your birth year will not be too far away. Just make sure you have your funds ready this time around. ;)

My birth year, '81 has found me my 16800 Sub, blue snowflake 94110 and I'm hoping for a moon watch too. Then I'll be done.
But a 5512 will be so special.

I agree with previous posts that serial and year matching isn't an exact science (especially with Speedmaster Pro's), the sentiment is the winner here.

[nanagno]

You will get there, and please enjoy the journey...don't be in a rush!

my BD baby:

[DCheeta]

Good luck! I'll be following your thread with great interest. This year I'll be embarking on a similar quest - to find a 1974 5513, or 1680. Keep us posted!