What to do with 36 year old Sub

[sweetlew]

Hello everyone - Long time lurker, but first time poster. I've read TRF for a long time, but this is the first time I've posted any questions. Though currently I do not have a Rolex, in the past I've owned Exp I and Exp II (red hand) Exp II (orange). Recently I sold the Exp II because I really like the GMT LN.
My question for anyone willing to read this, is what to do with my Dad's sub. My mom had purchased it for him after saving up for a year. Her sister at the time worked for a very well respect AD in the bay area and was able to get her a nice discount. (she paid under $1000) This was around 1981-82. My dad wore it pretty religiously for about 20 years. It started losing time and he never wanted to pay to get it serviced so its been sitting in his drawer the last 15 years. As I mentioned to him that I was looking at a GMT, my mom went and pulled out his Rolex Sub. Based on research I've done...(I am by no means an expert)

Rolex Sub 5513/ Maxi I dial / Non Serif / 93150/580 bracelet - I love the scratches and how worn it is. It is all original, nothing has been replaced. My dad didn't baby it at all. I've been wearing it a few days and time seems to be running so far. Bracelet is a bit lose and the clasps are as well but, other than that I'm digging it. A couple questions:

-The "pearl" that is in the triangle at the top of the bezel fell out years ago some how and I'd like to get it put back in. If I sent it to Rolex could they do that? Or would they just put a new bezel on. (In which case it would keep it from being original...although I could make sure I keep the old one)
-I'd also like to get a "tune up" since its never had its hood popped open. I DO NOT want them to polish it as I'd like to keep it original. Do you think they could just tighten up the bracelet and clasps a bit?

All of it is completely original, you can see the hands have darkened a bit...the markers are a bit darker than the picture shows as well. Any thoughts are suggestions are welcome. Hello to all of you, this is a great site.

[alwayshere]

send it to one of the vintage restorers here on the board. Avoid Rolex for this kind of job - they will likely value destruct then value add.

Otherwise looks good and no, I wouldnt trade it or sell it for a GMT LN

[henrylee]

It's beautiful how it is, I wouldn't change a thing except maybe service it by one of our well respected independent watch makers.

[snyde]

What watch does you father wear now ?

[j0oftheworld]

Find a solid Rolex servicer and have it cleaned/lubed.
That should solve your timing issues or they may recommend a spring/wheel update.
From what I've read Rolex will want to replace many of the original parts and polish it.
Looks awesome! I hope you cherish it.

[scooba]

Amazing 5513, this would be a keeper in my opinion.

Have a look up for Bob or Philip Ridley on this site, They take the time to post pictures of there work on here,

Have a chat with them about your expectations with regards to the bracelet Michael young is the go to guy on here ,he will be able to tighten it up or just remove the bracelet and keep it and source a new one for the next 30 yrs wear

Michael young bracelet

Philip or Bob ridley watch head

[05carbondrz]

The darker hands are very common on Maxi Dial Subs,No worries there.Just be ready to spend more for a service then your Mom paid for the Watch originally.

[Sublovin]

I would leave it alone. It's only original once....

[brandrea]

Id send it off the ABC Watchwerks in LA. They know exactly what they're doing when it comes to vintage.

Beautiful watch btw, I wish I had something like that from my dad. I hope you cherish it.

[Blakerhodes]

Sell it to me :) just kidding , send to Phillip Ridley , he will take good care of it.

[Swiss Mad!]

I'm in the UK so cant recommend anywhere to get it serviced, but just wanted to say what a beautiful Sub!

Please do not ever sell it, it is far too special to you to do that.

You can get a GMT from anywhere anytime - that Sub is irreplaceable given its family history.

Please post more pics...

[Ghost1665]

Great Sub! I've seen NOS pearls with varying shades of patina pop up here on trf now and again. It doesn't happen often and they go fast, but may be worth watching out for. Otherwise, killer piece of family history. Enjoy it.

[sweetlew]

Thanks for all the feedback/suggestions. I am definitely not selling this watch to purchase the GMT II I mentioned. I'm looking at purchasing that for myself. I just want to get this sub going again for my dad as a little present for his 75th birthday early next year. He'd be grateful to start wearing it again for a few more trips around the sun, but he wouldn't know where to start in getting it running on time again.

In the last 30 hours its gained 9 minutes! So I will certainly reach out to one of the vintage recommendations put forth so we can get her running smooth.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

send it to one of the vintage restorers here on the board. Avoid Rolex for this kind of job - they will likely value destruct then value add.

Otherwise looks good and no, I wouldnt trade it or sell it for a GMT LN

Definitely.....looks like a beauty!

[BNA/LION]

I would keep it and wear it. Maybe just have it looked at by a CW21 Watch Maker to make sure there is nothing they see that needs immediate attention.

http://www.dstimeservice.com/

Enjoy it!

[droptopman]

Great watch and cool story. Maxi 5513's are some of my favorite Subs. Super easy to find a competent watch maker to service that. I had a 1983 5513 serviced a couple years ago by an independent CW21. Was not bad, about $600 and we had to replace a couple parts. Original quote was $500 for a complete service. It was all original too, but not from my Dad.

Cherish that watch, that is a special deal.

[Bagman]

Great watch....Heirloom?

[sweetlew]

Originally Posted by snyde

What watch does you father wear now ?

He's actually wearing a Casio G Shock or a Swiss Army chronology I believe.

[sweetlew]

Originally Posted by Bagman

Great watch....Heirloom?

Yep, heirloom. He'll pass it down eventually, but hopefully he can enjoy it for some more years.

[sweetlew]

Quick update. Sent the watch to Bob at Watchmakers International last week. Will post some pics when all is said and done. Excited to get it working right. Listening to Bob's passion for watches, I felt good about getting it to him. Also he informed me the watch is about 3 years older than I thought.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by WilliamVue

True!!

Originally Posted by WilliamVue

True! I agree.

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“Plumbing with the professional help is safe and ensures guarantee. Bathroom plumbing must be left to pro as it is very risky for a homeowner to try it on their own. Visit plumbing repairs Hunterdon county NJ for more knowledge!”

Thanks for wasting our time.

[John Ireland]

Tell your dad that 75 is not old. It is ripe, it is well worn, it is seasoned, but it is not old. Give the watch a good full service and see how young he feels when he starts wearing it again.

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by sweetlew

Quick update. Sent the watch to Bob at Watchmakers International last week. Will post some pics when all is said and done. Excited to get it working right. Listening to Bob's passion for watches, I felt good about getting it to him. Also he informed me the watch is about 3 years older than I thought.

[TitanCi]

Wow, that's pretty cool. Obviously you're having it serviced and that's what I'd do. Service it and use it!


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[Ballzzz]

Great watch & great story. Get that back on dad's wrist running right ASAP! It's amazing what a watch can do for family's!

[junamuan]

Amazing! I would leave it as is except for that missing 'pearl' if you can get a similarly 'patinaed' color.

[sweetlew]

Well watch is on its way. Should be here tomorrow and I'll post some pics and a write a little more background...but in short, here is a before and after photo sent from Bob. I have to say, what a great guy to talk to and I can't wait to get the watch back and see it in person. More pics to follow when it gets here. He said this watch will be good to go as a daily wearer which is awesome.

[Torque Time]

Great history and Great story. I wouldn’t change a thing or have it serviced until it began to gain/lose significant time.

Wear as is...MHO

[RazorD]

Great, thanks for sharing update!

[mountainjogger]

Keeper!!!