5513 bad idea for a daily wearer?

[Kingcobb]

I am no where near ready to do this, still basking in the glow of my brand new daytona, but it seems there are a lot of posts encouraging those of us who aren't as familiar with vintage rolexes to go with a 14060 or 14060M.

I know there are concerns about making sure you buy what you think you are buying when it comes to vintage, however, are there other issues/concerns?

Mostly I'm thinking how difficult it is to get a 50 or 60 year old watch serviced when something goes wrong with it?

There are probably other concerns I'm not aware of.

Anyway curious on the feedback, like I said I'm not doing this anytime soon unless I fall into one from someone impeccable, but would like to know what all concerns you have when dealing with a vintage watch like the 5513?

[springer]

Impeccable from Texas here - let me help you out. I wear a 5513 quite often, probably 25% of the time. Most of the watches in my rotation are vintage except for a GMT II 16710 that I occasionally wear. I have two 5513s in the rotation - one is a 1970s matte dial and the other is a later version with the glossy dial.

I've never had an issue getting one of my vintage models serviced - those from the late 1960s through the sapphire era. It is a non issue and not difficult getting one serviced unless it is a very rare model.

If you ever decide to source one, I'd be more than happy to steer you in the right direction.

[Dan S]

I agree totally with JP. I wear vintage watches 95% of the time, and 5513s are some of my favorites. I haven't had any trouble with servicing, repairs, or parts. IMO, you can worry about hypothetical problems that may never arise, or just go ahead and live your life in a way that gives you joy.

[TuRo]

Very Peccable here. Although agree with Impeccable and Dan that a 5513 is fine as a daily wearer.

Service is, and will remain, a doddle at independent watchmakers.

However, with these things it depends on what end of the telescope you are looking down...

If you have a bunch of old bubblebacks, early 37mm subs or the like, a 5513 feels like a bank vault in terms if build quality and calibre robustness.

The earlier Subs/Daytonas/Explorers etc I find I'm subconsciously really careful when I wind the watch...all the time I'm checking for even winding/slippage/resistance etc...but with a 5513 non of that needed :-)

If you've wearing newer neo-vintage or even more pronounced post-2007 ceramic stuff the watch/bracelet can feel in relative terms a bit insubstantial, exposed or even dainty.

I see you have bought a new Ceramic Daytona so I'd recommend handling and wearing old pieces as they are not so substantial to the feel.

WARNING though, if you get the taste for vintage, you'll probably end up offloading (as 3 people I know did) all your modern stuff in a frenzy of Vintage Desire.....

[rootbeer7]

Great advice above. Just to add a more modern bracelet (with a 0 at the end) can help make it feel more substantial or my favourite on a vintage sports watch, a nato strap will ensure it’s always secure.

[dshin525]

The 5513 was my first Rolex and was my daily....this was 10+ yrs ago and mine was from early 80's. It took everything I put through it and never had any issues.

[1William]

Great watch. Were it and enjoy it or move it along for something else.

[996marty]

5513 would be perfect as a daily as for me are most vintage watches

[seattleal]

I wear a 1965 gilt 5513 every day. It keeps time better than some of my modern watches.

Like the rest of my collection with 15xx movements, getting it serviced has not been difficult.

[tschiemer]

I am generally a one or two watch person and wear them daily, both vintage.

Ridley did a complete service on my 5513 last month.

[Kingcobb]

Thanks for all the responses. Loving my new sub and daytona.

[Harmon Rabb]

I used my 1966 5513 daily for many years since I bought it around 20 years ago. Rolex still service the movement last time I checked and there are other specialists that can do it too. A serviced 5513 checked that it’s waterproof on regular basis between service can be used as any newer Rolex Submariner. It won’t glow in the dark.

The difficult part is to find period correct parts for the watch if the watch gets water damaged. Rolex provides service dials and hands but it won’t be the same watch after. With that said. Just use and enjoy the watch and have it checked and I think it’s a none issue.

[Toronto Soup King]

I wear my 1016 every day and am normally careful but no more. Same with my 5513. These watches were made to be durable! And I can still find service parts for anything that breaks.

I'd tell anyone with a vintage Rolex to wear it. All but the museum-quality pieces should IMO be on a wrist, that's where they belong.

[linesiders]

My daily is frequently older than any 5513

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Kingcobb

I am no where near ready to do this, still basking in the glow of my brand new daytona, but it seems there are a lot of posts encouraging those of us who aren't as familiar with vintage rolexes to go with a 14060 or 14060M.

I know there are concerns about making sure you buy what you think you are buying when it comes to vintage, however, are there other issues/concerns?

Mostly I'm thinking how difficult it is to get a 50 or 60 year old watch serviced when something goes wrong with it?

There are probably other concerns I'm not aware of.

Anyway curious on the feedback, like I said I'm not doing this anytime soon unless I fall into one from someone impeccable, but would like to know what all concerns you have when dealing with a vintage watch like the 5513?

First would hardly call any 14060 14060M vintage, watches like the 5513 if they have been serviced and pressure regular then they can be worn the same like any modern day Rolex.