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Old 21 August 2020, 07:17 AM   #1
Derbs24
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Advice on Vintage 5513

Hi everyone, log time browser of the forum and finally have a question. With my father's passing, I became caretaker of his 1978 5513 Sub. It's highly original, never been serviced and in excellent shape. Keeps time perfectly still. I've talked to my local dealer (he's great) about my Sub and he's given me a rough idea what it would cost to have it serviced at Rolex (due to age). I'm not sure I want anything disturbed though because of it's originality? I don't intend on selling it, just wearing it when the occasion calls for it. My Dad bought this new in 1978. I have the papers, boxes, anchor, hang-tag...everything. I was three at the time and grew up marveling at this watch, so sentimental value is priceless. Not sure what I would gain by having it serviced besides assurance it is once again waterproof? Appreciate the help!
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Old 21 August 2020, 08:05 AM   #2
Nickn
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Take the horrible strap off
Do you have the original ?
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Old 21 August 2020, 08:38 AM   #3
Dan S
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Well there is a lovely MkI Maxi heirloom. I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing, but that is a wonderful thing to remember him by. Servicing the watch is preventative maintenance for the movement. It's quite shocking that the watch is still running well after 40+ years without being serviced. The lubrication must be completely non-functional by now, and running the watch is likely to create increasing wear and tear and damage to parts in the movement.

I would probably have it serviced by an independent watchmaker who specializes in vintage. They will be more accustomed to preserving the originality of the watch as you want.
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Old 21 August 2020, 09:07 AM   #4
Tom1675
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Do not go through Rolex. They have a goal of bringing your watch current, which means a number of updated replacement parts. It wont be the same watch your dad wore.

What you've got there is special, more bc of its story than anything, send it to someone who understands this for the service. They will also likely be able to help you get the correct bracelet and maybe a pearl. That's all it needs.
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Old 21 August 2020, 10:00 AM   #5
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Wonderful history and beautiful watch! B and P! Fab. Lose the strap. Don’t let RSC touch this. Good luck!


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Old 21 August 2020, 10:10 AM   #6
214270Explorer
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Contact Bob Ridley in Texas or his son Phillip Ridley in Arizona. True CW21 trained.

And as others have stated - may want to avoid RSC with a nice old vintage item.
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Old 21 August 2020, 10:19 AM   #7
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Nice Watch.
I would stay away from the AD.
Find a watch master and get it serviced ASAP.
You don’t want it to break and ruin all your internal parts then you will have to get them replaced with non original parts.
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Old 21 August 2020, 10:22 AM   #8
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+1 for Phillip Ridley
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Old 21 August 2020, 10:24 AM   #9
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Sorry for your father's passing...

+ 1 for Philip Ridley (now in Arizona). Have had several vintage pieces serviced by him. Very knowledgeable and great guy.
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Old 21 August 2020, 10:56 AM   #10
Rocketman39
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Just a Beautiful Piece ! My 5513 is now 55 years old and traveled the world on my wrist daily for over 40 of those years. It was serviced by Rolex twice and parts replaced. So it's no longer 100% original. In 2017 it was serviced by the Ridley's in Texas. They know Rolex and know what you have. My old "War Horse" looked almost new when It was returned to me.
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Old 21 August 2020, 11:11 AM   #11
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What a wonderful heirloom. Sorry for the loss of your father.

You might want to work on finding the correct bracelet arragement in honor of your pa. This aftermarket "Stainless Steel China" one with the polished center links and wrong end links doesn't do the watch justice.

The case also appears to have undergone some detailing, though that's not unusual for a watch of this age. He might have had it serviced and not told you (why would he...?).

The movement will definitely need a service after all these years. As others have said, don't send it to Rolex for restoration. Good luck with it!
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Old 21 August 2020, 11:50 PM   #12
Derbs24
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Thanks for the great input, exactly what I needed. Sorry for the shock on the China bracelet, my Dad had it on there to preserve the original. Here are some pics of it all complete. He thought the bracelet was worn and the pins were shot, but it seems pretty good to me (my Dad was always a stickler for perfection).

My Dad polished the case/bracelet one or two times with a buffing wheel and white rouge bar. That's probably why it looks serviced. You guys know your stuff!

Great news about the Ridleys, I'm moving my Mom to Phoenix in a few weeks (bought a condo...done with Midwestern winters), so I will look them up.

My AD was very kind, he's old-school and does all the watch work himself. I think he was looking out for me when suggesting I send to RSC as he mentioned he can't get the genuine parts from Rolex for this old of a Sub anymore. He cautioned me as well about making sure I took it to someone who knew what I had (even if it wasn't him).

I share your reservations as I don't want it "updated", just preserved and enjoyed.

Thanks again for the help, Jason.
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Old 22 August 2020, 01:26 AM   #13
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Awesome piece!
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Old 22 August 2020, 03:54 AM   #14
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Nice piece and condolences on your father's passing. Philip is one of the best for vintage Rolex and even more convenient for you moving to AZ. I would recommend you wear it on the original C&I rivet bracelet if it's integrity is solid. It will look great.
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Old 22 August 2020, 03:57 AM   #15
996marty
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Now that is one great looking watch and a fantastic way to remember your father as others have said I wouldn’t use Rolex for fear of losing its original look.
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Old 22 August 2020, 05:58 AM   #16
rootbeer7
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Wow, what a superb heirloom. I can’t add anymore than above, but cherish that lovely watch.
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Old 22 August 2020, 06:47 AM   #17
aknajera
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What an amazing way to remember your father. Especially that you were with him when he bought it. Reminds us to always take your kids to the AD.
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Old 22 August 2020, 07:36 AM   #18
zapokee
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Oo, C+I rivet bracelet. Now you're talking!
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Old 23 August 2020, 05:26 PM   #19
R.W.T.
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Rolex won't service it anyway. They reject any 4 digit models at this point. All parts have been obsoleted.
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Old 23 August 2020, 05:52 PM   #20
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Looks great on the bracelet Derbs.

It’s now your call on the work you require.
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Old 24 August 2020, 06:41 AM   #21
swish77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by R.W.T. View Post
Rolex won't service it anyway. They reject any 4 digit models at this point. All parts have been obsoleted.
Where did you hear this? Not sure this is the case, unless it’s a brand new policy.

Not long before the pandemic, the RSC in NYC was willing to service my DRSD 1665, although I declined. (I just needed end links.)
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Old 24 August 2020, 09:45 AM   #22
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Damn, thats nice! I wouldn't do anything with it either, as some have mentioned. But if I were, I'd limit it to a movement service only, maybe replace the caseback/tube/crown gaskets IF needed so you can wear it without worrying about moisture etc. Leave EVERYTHING else untouched and original, no swaps or updating the dial etc...definitely no polishing either (not that it needs it)... +1 for Ridley, too..
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Old 24 August 2020, 11:32 AM   #23
zapokee
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Quote:
Originally Posted by R.W.T. View Post
Rolex won't service it anyway. They reject any 4 digit models at this point. All parts have been obsoleted.
Might depend on which RSC you go to. I've had a Rolex quote for an 1803 service recently.
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Old 24 August 2020, 11:40 AM   #24
R.W.T.
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Might depend on which RSC you go to. I've had a Rolex quote for an 1803 service recently.
Rolex USA is not Rolex. :-)

It's a different situation here.

RSC Japan is quite different and always has been. You're lucky.

Dallas was sending 1655's back unopened 10 years ago.
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Old 24 August 2020, 11:57 AM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by R.W.T. View Post
Rolex USA is not Rolex. :-)

It's a different situation here.

RSC Japan is quite different and always has been. You're lucky.

Dallas was sending 1655's back unopened 10 years ago.
Wow...

Recently my DRSD was serviced and it came out with a limited warranty and a note on waterproofness (W)

But they've followed my instructions concerning not polishing and replacing any parts apart from internals and plexi.
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Old 24 August 2020, 12:15 PM   #26
zapokee
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RSC Japan is quite different and always has been. You're lucky.
Not really lucky. It's their way or the highway, so they're unusable for vintage. Won't entertain any requests at all.

I politely declined their insistence on swapping the original gilt dial and hands on my untouched 1964 5513 for nice new luminova versions. I wanted only a movement service, but they wouldn't do it.

It's like if you go to a burger place for lunch and the server insists on coming round and re-doing your kitchen.
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Old 26 August 2020, 08:05 AM   #27
Ignace Worang
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Sorry to contradict your statement but it’s untrue. At least here in CZ they’ll send it to Geneve and they will recommend what is needed. It’s up to the clients to decide what they want. Other RSC that I know that have similar policy is RSC Tokyo. I serviced my 16710 some years back and was given options. Can’t really say abt other RSC’s.

Quote:
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Rolex won't service it anyway. They reject any 4 digit models at this point. All parts have been obsoleted.
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Old 26 August 2020, 08:16 AM   #28
Nikrnic
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Sorry for your loss.. Great Advice... No to RSC. Go to an independent specialist for early Subs. Source a correct bracelet, those can be restored and made tight, again by a specialist. They are all available here by asking for recommendations.

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Old 29 August 2020, 01:25 AM   #29
Derbs24
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Thanks everyone for the great replies. I'm going to contact Mr. Ridley. Appreciate forums for this type of "community" help. Have a great weekend.
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Old 29 August 2020, 08:08 AM   #30
zapokee
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Source a correct bracelet
The OP already has the correct (and awesome) bracelet - see the updated photos above. It looks pretty tight, too.

All this baby needs is a movement service and whatever's needed to ensure waterproofing, then she's ready to rock!
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