5513 Maxi... or not? Thoughts?

[bertberr]

I appreciate this is one of those highly subjective posts, but I'm just keen to find out people's thoughts on this one, as I'm currently looking for another 5513 and have recently changed my mind somewhat on the matter.

Previously I always said I wouldn't go Maxi, as I thought the larger plots made the dial look ever so slightly smaller, and perhaps even a little 'busy'.

But recently, I'm starting to warm to the idea of a Maxi (I know there's various dial versions, but for this purpose let's just call them all Maxi's). Not because I now prefer the looks to the pre '77 (ish) examples, because I don't, but because the idea of getting something 10 - 15 years newer, with all that entails, including things like general wear, integrity of water seals etc, less chance of case pitting / corrosion, is quite appealing.

So, over to you guys, Maxi... or not?

[Clay]

I'm probably the wrong person to way in on this but here's my opinion......

First, If I were looking for a 5513, unless you have to have a gilt dial or meters first dial, I would try and find one from the early 80's.......The newer the better as long as it's before 1985 when they went to the dial with White Gold surrounds....

In regard to the "maxi" dial business, I have always felt that so much of that stuff is just "hype"......Maxi dial, pre comex dial, chocolate dial, the list goes on and on.....Terminology that's used more for people to try and get more money for their watches then for any other reason.....

At some point it becomes ridiculous....

I know that there are people who will disagree, but that's my take on it for what it's worth....

[conrail]

Not that I have an affirmative dislike for the maxi dials, but I personally prefer the non-maxi dials. Side-by-side they just look too big, overly-enlarged. The smaller plots give a more balanced look to an otherwise lovely matte dial :)

[PhilM]

Having owned both maxi and non, I think it's down to general taste so, if you're not that bothered about it, then I would simply try and find the best 5513 that you can for the money

Maxi Type 3


Non Maxi

[Clay]

Originally Posted by PhilM

Having owned both maxi and non, I think it's down to general taste so, if you're not that bothered about it, then I would simply try and find the best 5513 that you can for the money

Maxi Type 3


Non Maxi

Very nice indeed.....

[bertberr]

Originally Posted by PhilM

Having owned both maxi and non, I think it's down to general taste so, if you're not that bothered about it, then I would simply try and find the best 5513 that you can for the money

I think I'm definitely of this opinion now, having bought a 5513 metres first a couple of years back, and then regretting focusing too much on sourcing the 'rarer' dial to the detriment of overall dial condition...

Having got quite frustrated with the lack of really nice 5513's on the market at present, I broadened my search to the later WG 5513's and early tritium 14060's, and came very close to pressing the button on one just recently.

But after staring at numerous examples of the later model, it just reinforced why I prefer the older version... namely I just love the matt dial and non WG surrounds. So, with that in mind, I've decided that any 5513 from about '66 through '83/84 would be do me fine, and that dial originality / condition is absolutely the big deal that a lot of you guys on here say it is.

The search continues...

[757doc001]

I have owned both as well. I currently own 1982 16800 Maxi and I just sold my 1989 16610. At first I liked the 16610, because of the finish of the dial and the white gold surronds nut as the days went on I preferred the different look on my 1982. Now I have a vintage maxi and a new model GMT IIC, that has maxi. Personally I love the character of the maxi dial. I think it looks great on vintage and the new models>>

Just my opinion!

[mike]

I have to echo what Phil said, condition is the most important thing. A lot of time we focus on the dial (which certainly is important) to the exclusion of all else.

Look at the total package. That being said, condition the same I like the maxi.

[conrail]

Originally Posted by bertberr

I think I'm definitely of this opinion now, having bought a 5513 metres first a couple of years back, and then regretting focusing too much on sourcing the 'rarer' dial to the detriment of overall dial condition...

Having got quite frustrated with the lack of really nice 5513's on the market at present, I broadened my search to the later WG 5513's and early tritium 14060's, and came very close to pressing the button on one just recently.

But after staring at numerous examples of the later model, it just reinforced why I prefer the older version... namely I just love the matt dial and non WG surrounds. So, with that in mind, I've decided that any 5513 from about '66 through '83/84 would be do me fine, and that dial originality / condition is absolutely the big deal that a lot of you guys on here say it is.

The search continues...

Thats very well said, esp re getting the rarer dial (watch) over condition and quality. I got lucky in my 5513 pickup, it is a solid piece from a great collector and nice guy. Its a feet first, but in incredible 100% original condition and looks nicer than a lot of meters-firsts that I had my eye on at the time I was looking for one. And remember, a beautiful (less rare) feet first, will still be a beautiful vintage piece in 20 years and command a strong price, whereas the not as nice meters first (having a more rare dial), will still be not as nice in 20 years. Therefore, making the technically-not-as-rare FF dial the "scarcer" watch because of its condition. Sorry that was a mouth-full haha.

[GeoGio Greece]

The 5513 is one of the most collectable Submariners. Here is mine, a 1983 example, matte dial, no steel or white gold borders around the hour markers and a acrylic crystal.



Produced from 1962 to 1990, it is the longest running Rolex production Submariner if not the single longest running production model. While the Ref. 5513 was manufactured for almost twenty-eight years, a lesser known fact is that it actually came with five different dial variants over that period of time. DoubleRedSeadweller.com has a detail article on the five different type of dials.

[Jan Davis]

The first Maxi Rolex was made from around 1976 (4 million), the last Maxi was made in around 1984 (8 million). Five different Maxi dials were made, designed after the British Royal Navy Military Submariner using larger lume plots and bolder graphics.

[stevemulholland3]

5513's(you should also include the 5512 as well) are THE watch to collect IMO..
it has the most variants..was the top seller (in sports watches that is)so there are many many examples out there..for the most part they are still reasonably priced..at least until you get to the ultra rare 5513's (like my pointed guard white swiss in gilt..hint,hint..lol)like the 3,6,9's ,etc..
and also every guy loves these puppies so you can trade them back and forth much like expensive playing cards..
"I'll give you two maxi's,one closed chapter ring gilt and a White swiss for your square crown guard,silver depth.."..lol
here are just a few that went thru these doors..

[rfknauss]

Vintage 1978 ...... been wearing this one for quite a long time now!

[Jan Davis]

Originally Posted by stevemulholland3

Steve you have found some awesome watches!

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by rfknauss

Vintage 1978 ...... been wearing this one for quite a long time now!

very pretty

[rfknauss]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

very pretty

Thank you Larry for the compliment!

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by Jan Davis

The first Maxi Rolex was made from around 1976 (4 million), the last Maxi was made in around 1984 (8 million). Five different Maxi dials were made, designed after the British Royal Navy Military Submariner using larger lume plots and bolder graphics.

You have a 5513 Jan? You sure know alot about them.

[Clay]

Some beautiful watches here......I may have to pick up another 5513....

[Jan Davis]

Originally Posted by CoopJr

You have a 5513 Jan? You sure know alot about them.

I have a library full of Rolex books, I am in the process of negotiating for a 1978 5513 with a serial of 5.6 million.