Never Seen Before Rolex Crown On Dial

[Lssiegel]

Hello,

Can anyone help me with this Crown. Early 70's Rolex Submariner Ref# 5513, Meters first matte dial. I have never seen this crown before, the crown has a triangular / rounded opening instead of the typical oblong or oval opening. Thanks in advance.

P.S. I tried to attach a picture but not sure if it uploaded, I am new here :)

Lee

[MorningTundra]

Very strange. Got more pics? Include case and bezel.


Sent from my cracked, broken, hand wound Phone

[saskmh]

Everything about the printing on that dial screams fake to me.

[Njtster]

Probably fake but we need to see som more pics.

[Lssiegel]

I do not believe the dial to be fake, I have had this watch for about 20 years, the matte black dial is pristine, and nice patina on the markers. I think the bezel insert is new though. I have attached another picture.

[datejust24]

I also do not think the dial is fake ...re dial possibly

[SPARTAN2161]

Interesting. I will have to check my Mondani books...I have never come across one of these.

[Lssiegel]

I have looked everywhere and looked at 100's of vintage dials, I have never seen it either. Please let me know if you find anything, and thank you in advance.

Lee

[saskmh]

Originally Posted by Lssiegel

I do not believe the dial to be fake, I have had this watch for about 20 years, the matte black dial is pristine, and nice patina on the markers. I think the bezel insert is new though. I have attached another picture.

Interesting. The crown as you mentioned is strange and the lettering shape and spacing looks off. Maybe a 20+ year old re-paint?

[Sky21]

I also vote for a redial, not a fake dial, just an older dial reprint. Would be interested to know for certain.

[Njtster]

Interesting.....

[springer]

The dial is refinished and a very poor job at that.

[toxicavenger]

You have owned this watch for 20 years and you "think the bezel is new"?

[Mickyfin]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

You have owned this watch for 20 years and you "think the bezel is new"?

Thats what I was about to say too.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Mickyfin

Thats what I was about to say too.

I imagine he means that he's owned the watch since the late 90s and thinks the bezel is a newer one (put on before he owned it), rather than the one it originally came with.

That said, I agree with Springer that it's a refinished dial.

[Lssiegel]

Correct, to my knowledge the bezel "insert" is not original to the watch.

[Lssiegel]

If this is a re-finished dial then why wouldn't they refinish the crown logo the way is should be, with an oval or oblong opening. I know the history of this watch is why I am leaning toward the crown being original, unfortunately the original owners are no longer with us to shed any more light.

[Imajedi]

Originally Posted by Lssiegel

If this is a re-finished dial then why wouldn't they refinish the crown logo the way is should be, with an oval or oblong opening. I know the history of this watch is why I am leaning toward the crown being original, unfortunately the original owners are no longer with us to shed any more light.

Because they just never get it right. Believe it or not looking at the crown is one of the best ways to spot a redial or fake watch. They almost never get the crown right. This one is particularly different.

[swish77]

What's the beginning of the serial number of the watch? You say you believe it's from the early '70s, but it's got a meters-first dial? Could be another clue.

[Lssiegel]

243XXXX late 60's Thanks.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Lssiegel

243XXXX late 60's Thanks.

That would put it at about 1969, which is at the tail end of meters-first dials.

It doesn't address the question of a refinished dial, but at least you know that a meters-first style dial could be period correct for the watch.

[Lssiegel]

Thanks, I just wish I could find out about the triangular shaped opening on the crown logo.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Lssiegel

Thanks, I just wish I could find out about the triangular shaped opening on the crown logo.

There is really nothing more to find out. The dial is refinished. Look at how poor the lettering looks in my blow-up.

[Craft&Tailored]

redial done with a toothpick id guess.. the font is off and not consistent. Bummersville

[Lssiegel]

Thank you everyone for your replies and comments.

[Lssiegel]

I wish I was that good with a toothpick.

[Mike Wood]

The "Joker" coronet..!

[Lssiegel]

That almost makes sense.

[mdw3]

It is my very strong belief that this dial is in fact an original, unmolested dial, on which the ink on the cliche (printing pad) was improperly applied, resulting in a distorted shape to the base of the coronet. In fact, upon thoughtful comparison to the known text font sizes and spacing for similar "meters first" matte 5513 dials, this one checks out perfectly, comments about blind watchmakers and toothpicks notwithstanding. Please see the following if you are still dubious.

Michael