ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
26 November 2014, 06:55 AM | #1 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Real Name: John Baker III
Location: Spring,Texas
Watch: 1971 Red Sub
Posts: 2,222
|
5512 vs 5513 Caseback Swap Issues
Hey Guys:
I have been following vintage subs long enough to have a feel for the mis-matched case backs on the 5512/5513 models. My research suggests that both watches were assembled at Rolex in the same general areas and that the casebacks came from similar bins.... On a regular basis, a case back with the incorrect stamping was screwed on to the case, and quality control didn't catch the mismatch. Forward 40 years and sellers and buyers are noticing the issue. If an owner wants his case back stamp to match the case engraving, he would have to find a "correct" piece and purchase it. I would like to start a discussion about setting up a "swap service" to help reduce the overall cost of matching case backs and watches. So here goes: 1) Are there enough watch owners interested enough to get the "correct" case back for their watch? 2) Would you be willing to pay $50 to swap a 5513 for a 5512 or vice versa rather than pay full price for another case back? Please chime in a let me know what you think; I have an extra 5512 service back to get things started. That means I can only help out someone with a 5513 back to start with and one person at a time....if it does work, then I can set up a posting in the FS/FT section and go from there. Each time, the version available would reverse, if that makes sense... Thanks. John B
__________________
As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. |
26 November 2014, 07:21 AM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: mel(oz)/Yorks(uk)
Posts: 1,929
|
tbh john , a 5512 back on a 5513 doesn't worry me if its period correct as like you say its just so common, and id much prefer a period 5513 back on a 5512 than a service back 5512 ...if its a later 5512 back its what they used ( and still use) as a service replacement on 5513/2/1680...i don't see many 5512 with 5513 backs though so not sure there'll bee much demand in that direction
|
26 November 2014, 07:33 AM | #3 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Real Name: John Baker III
Location: Spring,Texas
Watch: 1971 Red Sub
Posts: 2,222
|
Quote:
http://www.hqmilton.com/watches/1967...12-4-line-dial
__________________
As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. |
|
26 November 2014, 07:37 AM | #4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: mel(oz)/Yorks(uk)
Posts: 1,929
|
oh it happens, just nowhere near as much in my experience ...my impression still remains that they 'over made' 5512 spares and the demand wasn't their so they got used up where they could rather than an accidental mixing up ...rolex is the tightest company know to man and NOTHING goes to waste.
|
26 November 2014, 07:50 AM | #5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,000
|
It would be interesting to go through this swapping routine then find there is some rationale--or even long lost Rolex records--for the mismatched case backs... then everyone would be rushing to switch back...
|
26 November 2014, 08:03 AM | #6 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Real Name: John Baker III
Location: Spring,Texas
Watch: 1971 Red Sub
Posts: 2,222
|
Quote:
Ironically, all my subs had the "matching" case backs when I got them, so I am neutral on the issue overall. What would you want to do IF your case back doesn't match?
__________________
As I've grown older, I've learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing off everyone is a piece of cake. |
|
26 November 2014, 08:03 AM | #7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: mel(oz)/Yorks(uk)
Posts: 1,929
|
interestingly i had the conversation with Geneva in about 2004 when they were a lot more open , they looked at me bemused when i had a 1680 with a 5512 back on and I had a problem with it...probably before they got used to being bombarded by questions by internet weirdos :):):)
in "rolex' terms this is perfectly acceptable and normal as its the correct part even if it does have a different model ref on it , they certainly don't have records on it (at the point of manufacture), other than if they note it during a later service. |
26 November 2014, 08:19 AM | #8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Dallas
Posts: 1,075
|
If possible, keep watches as the came from Rolex even if mismatched. In many cases there is a forensic history engraved on the caseback.
|
26 November 2014, 09:40 AM | #9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Real Name: Ky
Location: Bay Area, CA
Watch: 16570
Posts: 2,362
|
My 5513 has a 5512 service case back and it doesn't bother me as I know that it's just how things were done. The only reason I might get an extra case back is to get one engraved for when I give the watch to one of my boys.
It's an interesting idea, nevertheless. |
26 November 2014, 10:09 AM | #10 | |
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,515
|
Quote:
Vintage watches that have had parts swapped in and out to make it "period correct" are frankenwatches, not original high-value collector pieces. They have their place in enthusiasts collections but not museum quality collections.
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member |
|
26 November 2014, 11:50 AM | #11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 2,615
|
I would rather have the original mismatched case back rather than swapping it out. At some point during a potential sale you might disclose to the seller that you swapped out the case back for a "correct" one. However, in the back of his mind he might wonder what else is not original.
__________________
|
26 November 2014, 01:09 PM | #12 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Real Name: Rich
Location: NC
Watch: Rolex 1675
Posts: 2,359
|
Would not bother me
__________________
Rich Member of Nylon Nation Red Sox Nation Instagram watchguy97 |
26 November 2014, 11:24 PM | #13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: Jerimiah
Location: NYC
Watch: 5513 Meters 1st
Posts: 669
|
I've had a few matched and the others mostly mismatched.
Frankly, it doesn't bother me and doesn't detract from any value (which is why people typically swap parts). I lobby that you leave it as it left Geneva or service. Plus, who knows you have a 5513 vs 5512 case back anyways? |
28 November 2014, 01:09 AM | #14 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Aaron
Location: CT/NYC
Watch: ing the time!
Posts: 7,001
|
I don't consider those "mismatched" case backs. That implies a mistake, and Rolex did this on purpose, so it wasn't a mistake. There's nothing wrong with 5513 case backs on 5512s and vice-versa. Totally acceptable and normal. I'd rather have the original case back on my watch, no matter what's engraved on it. But maybe I'm biased. Here's the case back on my 5512.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.