1965 5513 servicing advice

[stewester]

Hi

I have recently purchased a 1965 5513 and I'm looking for some advice with regard to servicing, more specifically what is and isn't acceptable to replace as part of a service.

I've had an initial conversation with my usual watchmaker and he was aghast when I mentioned retaining the crown (correct twin lock) and domed acrylic crystal, as this would compromise the water resistance of the watch.

I was under the impression that switching out these parts for the most recent equivalents would be detrimental to the originality/period correctness of the watch, and would therefore be a no-no.

Should I insist on him not replacing these items, or is this not as big a deal as I think?

Any advice is most appreciated.

[mattedialdoc]

If you are going to really "wear the watch" i would have him replace the crown/tube and crystal. It will be good to go and waterproof at that point. You can save all the original parts, and if you ever sell the piece you can pass those along.


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[Xantiagib]

if you must go swimming with it then get the crystal and crown updated, (keeping the original parts as has been mentioned is a MUST) but if you don't need to then just get the movement serviced - nothing else. not a sausage.

[1675-David]

There is a very educational thread (can't find it of course) about a member here who slipped in his garden and in falling, plunged his hand into his kids paddling pool.
The result was water ingress and a ruined red sub dial. Putting it right was a long difficult and costly journey.

After following his story I had a triplock crown/tube and a new service crystal installed because I want to wear my watch everyday. You can't eliminate risk of course but it can be reduced considerably for those of us who strap on our beloved vintage pieces and venture out into the world..

[Mike Wood]

I'm not a million miles away from you (Southport), and specialise in vintage Rolex sports watches, so I have skilled repairers with whom I can discuss the extent of work required. We can therefore ensure the watch is sympathetically serviced whilst preserving the vintage "charm" of the watch. You're welcome to call up and see me if you want!

Mike Wood

[stewester]

Thanks for the advice all. Seems like it's quite a personal thing, depending on how much use it's going to get.

Mike, you have mail!