Fair deal for a 5513?

[Andrejb]

Looking at this 5513

He wants $4,800.00 US for it. (6000CAD)

No box or papers

The dial looks to be a service dial due to its white gold surrounds on the lume.

The case also seems to be polished (but not sure if it’s too far gone)

Should I go for it?


Here are some photos



Here’s the description

“Here we have a beautiful vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 from 1975. The watch runs amazingly well and is a true tool watch, with an iconic history. The vintage 5513 is one of the most collectable watches ever made, and is a staple of every real watch collection. 

Bracelet: 
Stainless Steel, 93150 Oyster bracelet with flip-lock clasp, and original 580 end links.

Crown: 
Original, screw down, Submariner crown, featuring the Rolex Coronet.

Case: 
The 40mm stainless steel case is in great condition, having seen only very minor polishing during it's 40 year life.

Dial/Hands: 
Factory replaced gloss 5513 service dial and hands, featuring white gold, creamy tritium, and "Swiss-T

[rossi46]

For me: no matte, no sale.

[Bond's First Watch]

I wouldn't buy it.

[SearChart]

The lugs are shiny?! That means whoever touched the watch wasn't competent. I'd run away and don't look back.

[nick c]

Originally Posted by SearChart

The lugs are shiny?! That means whoever touched the watch wasn't competent. I'd run away and don't look back.

I agree with Bas.

[Andrejb]

Thanks all


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[DLRIDES]

Run ........................ FAST !

Looks to be a frankenwatch

[watchwatcher]

Always buy the seller. Not the watch.

[DLRIDES]

NO, don’t touch it

[Styles Bitchley]

Case back says 5512.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Case back says 5512.

5512 casebacks on 5513 cases weren’t terribly unusual back in the day.

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

5512 casebacks on 5513 cases weren’t terribly unusual back in the day.

correct and vice versa.

if the watch is 100%, $4800 isn't bad but those out of focus pics make me a little nervous.

[roh123]

Question is if you want a cheap or great watch? Price will be very different. Nothing wrong going either way. It is just difficult to get both.

[Andrejb]

I’m deciding to go with a lollipop 76100 Tudor Sub instead, just serviced, for about $1000 less.

Thanks for the responses!


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[RonSwanson]

Not sure if case back should say 5512 or 3 but potential mismatch. Bezel and lugs polished to heck.

It is rather cheap if your a speculator, could have a serious upside, but still a poor example.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

I’m deciding to go with a lollipop 76100 Tudor Sub instead, just serviced, for about $1000 less.

Thanks for the responses!


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Great choice! Congrats

Actually wearing one today.



Let’s see yours!

[Eingram141]

I would like to know, why do we not like this watch for $4,800. Seems like a sub is fair to good condition. Are we worried its not legit because of the 5512 caseback? Im curious as to knowing what you all are looking for, for my own future vintage sub hunting. Thanks

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Eingram141

I would like to know, why do we not like this watch for $4,800. Seems like a sub is fair to good condition. Are we worried its not legit because of the 5512 caseback? Im curious as to knowing what you all are looking for, for my own future vintage sub hunting. Thanks

The replaced dial is the big dealbreaker.

[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by roh123

Great choice! Congrats

Actually wearing one today.



Let’s see yours!

I’ll be receiving it tonight! Will snap a pic once it’s on the wrist! Only downfall is it’s missing the PIP on the bezel which I am going to source and get it fixed


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[Eingram141]

Originally Posted by roh123

The replaced dial is the big dealbreaker.

Ok sure I get that, WGS are far less diserable in a model that came matte. But does that make it a frankenwatch? Wouldnt Rsc done that? Is there anything not legit/fake/scam about this watch? Or just that its a rough around the edges, wgs dial 5513 that is overpriced at $4,800? Thanks. I really appreciate it. You stand to learn a lot more from the experts on the watches they dont like.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by roh123

The replaced dial is the big dealbreaker.

.... but notwithstanding, $4800 is absolutely entry level now for any 5513.

It's on a bracelet, (soft focus) pics suggest the case might be ok. It would be good to see macro pics of that case. If it's all Rolex and ready to strap on and wear, I'd posit lots of folk would see $4,800 value in that watch.

It's easy to get hung up on the pursuit of perfect spec. watches .... some dudes just want an old Sub that doesn't cost $10k

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Eingram141

Ok sure I get that, WGS are far less diserable in a model that came matte. But does that make it a frankenwatch? Wouldnt Rsc done that? Is there anything not legit/fake/scam about this watch? Or just that its a rough around the edges, wgs dial 5513 that is overpriced at $4,800? Thanks. I really appreciate it. You stand to learn a lot more from the experts on the watches they dont like.

It’s just much less desirable. Case is a bit soft and hands are as well changed but overall the much later dial kills it. Better to buy a mid 80’s 5513 for a similar price if you like that look. Then it would be correct.

[Eingram141]

Originally Posted by roh123

It’s just much less desirable. Case is a bit soft and hands are as well changed but overall the much later dial kills it. Better to buy a mid 80’s 5513 for a similar price if you like that look. Then it would be correct.

I see. Thanks. “Case is a but soft” means worn down?

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Eingram141

I see. Thanks. “Case is a but soft” means worn down?

Polished.

[Old Expat Beast]

...or buy a beaten up 1980s WG 5513, and then get it to the RSC for a makeover, which is what I did. Then you have a nice-looking vintage daily wearer that is fully correct, if not all original.

(Actually mine was only water damaged when I got it, the case was close to mint condition).

[onthedial]

Originally Posted by Eingram141

I would like to know, why do we not like this watch for $4,800. Seems like a sub is fair to good condition. Are we worried its not legit because of the 5512 caseback? Im curious as to knowing what you all are looking for, for my own future vintage sub hunting. Thanks

@Eingram141
The watch, even with all its shortcomings, may be valued fairly at $4800...I'd need to see it in-hand for a thorough inspection, though. But to answer your question above, it's not the 5512 caseback that's concerning (even mid 1980s 5513 Subs can have 5512 casebacks) it's the "presence" of original but not period correct parts, i.e. it's not how it left the factory. Generally speaking, dial condition is the most important issue for a collector of Rolex watches. That said, this particular watch could make for a perfectly fine daily-wearer/"beater." And who knows, the seller may even come down in price?
________
Instagram: @onthedial

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by RonSwanson

Not sure if case back should say 5512 or 3 but potential mismatch. Bezel and lugs polished to heck.

It is rather cheap if your a speculator, could have a serious upside, but still a poor example.

Oh yes, just noticed that about the case back.

Also look at the fliplock, either it's aftermarket or it met a belt grinder....

[mattedialdoc]

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

Run ........................ FAST !

Looks to be a frankenwatch

What do you see that makes you think it's a Franken?


------
Instagram: @mattedialdoc

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Oh yes, just noticed that about the case back.

Also look at the fliplock, either it's aftermarket or it met a belt grinder....

5512 caseback is normal, and the fliplocks on early 93150s were smooth like that

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

5512 caseback is normal, and the fliplocks on early 93150s were smooth like that

Thanks for the information, I didn't know that

Still awful polishing job.