Repairing or Replacing and over-polished case

[josephvman]

If one wanted an truly as-new 5513, with no concern for originality (yet wanted the RSC blessing of proper documentation with regard to matching case/movement serial numbers, etc) what are the available options? Will RSC replace the case if requested, and if so does anyone have an idea of approximate cost? What about laser welding or other options to restoring lugs and crown guards to their original dimensions, and the pros/cons of this route vs. simply replacing the case?

[stmoore]

Can you share some photos of the watch in question? What 5513 do you have and what 5513 do you want? Is this gilt, matte, gloss ...?

[motoikkyu]

Not sure if I understand: there are many close-to-mint 5513s around, especially the later ones with the gold-surround dial. I imagine you could buy the vintage dial and hands that you wanted for a huge price and drop those in, and swap to your modern dial when you wanted RSC blessings....

I've had cases laser-welded and think it's overkill for a 5513, but others might disagree.

[josephvman]

I just put a new 93150 bracelet and crystal on my early 80's 5513, and now I notice the flaws in the case. The case isn't terrible, but the new bracelet makes me notice them more. I'll never sell the watch, and in any case it's probably the least-desirable 5513 variant, so I'm not overly concerned with originality as much as correctness. I think I would enjoy having what amounts to a "new" 5513 if I replaced the case, so I thought it was worth exploring that option.

I can post more detailed pics of the lugs later, and feel free to tell me they look fine and I've lost my mind!

[lig]

They look fine. Wear and enjoy!

[JustinK]

It would be cheaper to buy the same watch and swap the case than get a replacement case from Rolex. You would of course have to sell the watch your left with. The replacement case would be a tough sell even if you paid Rolex thousands for it.

[dysondiver]

think youve answered your own question ,,, looks fine to me.

[Rameez-Q]

Replacement case sounds a bit over the top IMO

If you want a new watch buy a new one, don't like the watch you have sell it & replace it. I don't think rolex will replace a case by request, only if they deem it necessary

[stmoore]

That watch looks fine. A replacement case is way over the top.

[Watchflair]

Enjoy your watch. Get many scratches on it and maybe a ding here or there.

Honestly it looks fine. It's 30 years old, a few scratches are a good thing.
They give it character. They tell the story of its life.

[RC2]

It looks fine. Send a pic straight on

[southtexas]

Looks good from here.


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[Boaters]

I think it looks fine but if your serious about a fix I would check with ABC Watchwerks they can do anything.

[josephvman]

Here are some pics of the lugs. Also, the new crystal doesn't look like the one that was replaced. It's significantly taller, though the domed profile appears to be the same. The old crystal had very little vertical rise above the bezel at all. Any thoughts?

[ilovewatchestoo]

Looks awesome to me too. Enjoy it.

[strongarms]

Joe, enjoy as a daily wearer, or sell and use the proceeds for one that is in more pristine condition.

[Wing Zero]

that crystal looks like a service T39
Looks cool to me

[Wahlberg]

So Rolex still has (replacement) cases from decades ago?

[josephvman]

Hey John! Imagine running into you here!

Originally Posted by strongarms

Joe, enjoy as a daily wearer, or sell and use the proceeds for one that is in more pristine condition.

[landroverking]

I wouldn't do anything except maybe brush it.

[RC2]

Understand. Looks very wearable and I would not worry. If you don't like it. Sell and put the money towards a better one. Looks pretty even lugs to me

[imperio]

Originally Posted by josephvman

Here are some pics of the lugs. Also, the new crystal doesn't look like the one that was replaced. It's significantly taller, though the domed profile appears to be the same. The old crystal had very little vertical rise above the bezel at all. Any thoughts?

I see what you mean. I would definitely sell it and buy something else as it would bother me too much.


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[strongarms]

Joe, I've personally seen this watch. Looked good then as it does now. This is the charitable time of year....You could always just gift it to me!

[J!m]

I've chatted with Michael You g and he is able to rebuild and repolish the original case.

If it bothered you and you love it otherwise, it might be an option for you.

[josephvman]

I think charity begins at home, so I'll just keep it there!

Originally Posted by strongarms

Joe, I've personally seen this watch. Looked good then as it does now. This is the charitable time of year....You could always just gift it to me!