Submariner 5510

[eieio11]

I've had a Submariner Ref. 5510 since 1960. About 20 years ago I had the dial and hands replaced which I now realize was a mistake. Currently, I am looking for the correct dial and hands to match. Does anybody have any ideas? I am new to this forum and I hope this is an appropriate question to ask here.

[topcat30093]

Sorry, I can't help with the info that you require.
But could we please see some photos :)

[jjkapsberger]

I'm not an expert with prices, so I don't know how realistic the following was: there was a dial of the vintage you require listed on eBay within the last five months for roughly USD 10,000. Even if that price was greatly exaggerated, I should think that the cost of the dial you need will be great.

The 5510 is a grail for me. Fabulous watch. I hope you find your superb vintage dial and hands. Good luck.

[Mark020]

Be prepared to spend a fortune if they ever come along.

[eieio11]

Sorry but I don't know how to post photos yet.

Steve

[Paul]

Bad news first - 5510 dials pop up for sale occassionally but the good ones command big $'s..

A quick scout around VRF's market page and I found some historical FS posts

* May 2012 Service dial. Asking $5k
* June 2011 Service dial. Asking euro 4k
* Apr 2011 Good condition dial with some wear Asking euro $3.7k
* Apr 2010 'Replacement' (?) dial and hands. Asking euro 2.5k

Perhaps $10k for a really nice, original 5510 dial with matching hands.
At the other end of the scale, the odd refinished dial pops up but you won't want one of those.

The good news though is that in a healthy market, nice, correct 5510's can fetch $60k+++ so suddenly the cost of a dial becomes relative.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/20767...56435/FS++5510

And speaking of 'relatives' ..... excuse the pun .... your 5510 would make a splendid family heirloom

[Mike1066]

I concur with all the above. It is going to be COSTLY!

But, the good news is, at the end of the day, YOU HAVE A 5510!!!!!!! That is the grail of SO MANY ON HERE! So post some pics and enjoy that watch and remember, don't let the forum purists get to you - you don't have to have a 100% original watch to enjoy and wear the hell out of it!

V/R

Mike

[Goiguidoc]

A gilt dial in good condition will be difficult to find and very expensive!
Don't forget, this model was produced only for a year or so.
Approximately 200 5510 were produced.
So it is a very very rare James Bond model.
Please post pics, would love to see it.

[jedly1]

i have never yet seen a good 5510 dial (of the quality of a $60-100k watch) available publicly for sale loose.

i have seen numerous shagged out ones, 5512 dials passed off as 5510 and fakes offered up....

there are several owners in the world waiting to see if they can find a new dial so competition for such a thing would be hot and it would be stooooopidly expesnsive.

its simple math ...a dial less watch is maybe a $15k thing a super gloss dialed watch probably $75k .....$60 difference for the dial (ok and maybe hands which are 3-4k alone for proper lenght gilt, big dot)

your realistic options are to enjoy as is, cash out and let someone else enjoy or maybe try to find another service dial if there is a problem with yours....

[Mike1066]

I'd like to edit my previous comment. What I should have said was, "... when it comes to a service dial, you don't have to have an original to enjoy your watch more."

I didn't mean to imply that I am cool with people putting fake parts in their watch.

What I did mean was - don't let the fact that it has a Rolex service dial get you down. It is a 5510 my friend, and that is AWESOME! Enjoy it. Wear it. Build some memories with it. Heck, my Dad has a Red luminova service dial in his red sub, and he couldn't care less. He freakin' loves that watch and it brings him so much enjoyment. I hope you feel the same way about your 5510. If not, you can send it to me and I'll wear it properly. That watch is "the business"!

[eieio11]

Thanks for all the suggestions and ideas guys. I really appreciate it. As soon as I can figure out how to post photos, I will. In the meantime I will leave myself open to receiving a proper dial and hands.

Steve C.

[linesiders]

Steve's Photos (where is the drool icon??)

[harry in montreal]

Does that picture display a new movement, dial and hands in a 5510 ?

[Mark020]

I'm afraid that's a yes. And looking at the caseback markings Jed has played a part in that :-)

[jedly1]

Lol ... It wasn't me I tell ya :-)

But my namesake wants lynching !!!!

5513 dial put on, with matching hands , lost it's valuable bezel etc.....

Makes your heart bleed ......:-(:-(:-(

[eieio11]

You're correct about the dial and hands, but not about the bezel and movement. The bezel is the original and I believe the insert is from a 5513 shaved down to fit. Fortunately I have the original insert that has subsequently been installed but not photographed. As far as the movement is concerned, when I sent it to Rolex in NY to be serviced in 1991 (I have the paperwork), they replaced all necessary worn parts, but I don't believe they replaced the hole movement. Makes my heart bleed too, but when I had the dial changed back in the early 90's in Switzerland I didn't know what I do today. Anyway, I'm optimistic a correct dial and hands will be forthcoming. How's that for positive thinking!

[jjkapsberger]

Can you show us the watch with the original insert? The watch doesn't look too bad with that dial and those hands despite the fact they're not original.

[Michael M.]

Yes, replacement Rotor, Dial, Hands and Insert as mentioned above, still a rare big crown reference

[watchcrank]

of it. so enjoy the hunt. m

[Jason71]

If it were mine, I would be OVERJOYED to wear it just as it is......

[jedly1]

Originally Posted by eieio11

You're correct about the dial and hands, but not about the bezel and movement. The bezel is the original and I believe the insert is from a 5513 shaved down to fit. Fortunately I have the original insert that has subsequently been installed but not photographed. As far as the movement is concerned, when I sent it to Rolex in NY to be serviced in 1991 (I have the paperwork), they replaced all necessary worn parts, but I don't believe they replaced the hole movement. Makes my heart bleed too, but when I had the dial changed back in the early 90's in Switzerland I didn't know what I do today. Anyway, I'm optimistic a correct dial and hands will be forthcoming. How's that for positive thinking!

Don't worry , it's the insert I meant that's the valuable bit. If its a good condition original red triangle one !!!

[jjkapsberger]

Originally Posted by jedly1

Don't worry , it's the insert I meant that's the valuable bit. If its a good condition original red triangle one !!!

Okay, I'm sitting down. What's the going price these days?

[eieio11]

Of course it's whatever the market will bear, but my guess is $75-100K for one that has provenance, correct and original in every respect, full case (not buffed), overall excellent condition for its age, recent Rolex service, and properly marketed. As far as the red triangle is concerned, my research indicates that the triangles were silver up to case 362004 or 362005, and with 362005 or 362006 were changed to red. If anyone knows differently, I would be interested.

[eieio11]

Now that I read your question again, I'm not sure if you were asking me or jedly1. Sorry, this is the first forum I have ever participated in and am not sure how it all works.

[jjkapsberger]

The question is for Jed.

[jedly1]

red triangle no hash ....1.5 - 5k gbp. all about condition