Can you tell me about this Submariner?

[sparkyoliver]

I'm new to the Rolex world, so please go easy on me. I'm just trying to find out as much as I can about the Submariner pictured below. The band is not original, but I believe the rest is. It is a real workhorse. Model number, date of manufacture, and value along with any other information would be very helpful. Thank you for your time.

[kyle L]

Looks like a meters first 5513, I think it has been relumed though.

[springer]

Markers have been re-lumed but the dial appears original. Does it light-up in the night?

[sparkyoliver]

The original owner had it serviced at some point, so it makes sense for the markers to be relumed. It still glows at night, but it must be "charged" under a light regularly.

[mike]

Welcome.

As you note the bracelet and endlinks are not of this watch. It would appear to be a meters first example of a 5513, but as noted it's been badly re-lumed.

It would seem to me that the dial has also been redone due to the short minute markers, font, and lack of any legend at 6 o'clock that I can see.

Perhaps it's the angle, but hands set looks off to me as well.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by mike

Welcome.

As you note the bracelet and endlinks are not of this watch. It would appear to be a meters first example of a 5513, but as noted it's been badly re-lumed.

It would seem to me that the dial has also been redone due to the short minute markers, font, and lack of any legend at 6 o'clock that I can see.

Perhaps it's the angle, but hands set looks off to me as well.

X2!

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by mike

Welcome.

As you note the bracelet and endlinks are not of this watch. It would appear to be a meters first example of a 5513, but as noted it's been badly re-lumed.

It would seem to me that the dial has also been redone due to the short minute markers, font, and lack of any legend at 6 o'clock that I can see.

Perhaps it's the angle, but hands set looks off to me as well.

"A 30 or 40 yo Rolex which shows user wear is almost surely real."

Sorry, but I just had to........

[sparkyoliver]

Thank you for the information. I knew it wasn't a collectible, but I just wanted to find out more about it.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by sparkyoliver

Thank you for the information. I knew it wasn't a collectible, but I just wanted to find out more about it.

It is a collectible.. all Rolex Subs are..

You just haven't given us anything to really say much about... It's clear that somebody changed the bracelet, had the dial redone, and possibly refitted incorrect hands to it..

Having said that, we don't know much else... you need the numbers off the case under the bracelet on both sides and a look at the look inside the caseback and at to the movement to really make a judgement if you should take the time and money to refurbish this old soldier..

[sparkyoliver]

I understand. I'll try to post more information. Heck, I'm just happy to have the model number.

[Paul]

Welcome sparkyoliver. I'm a patina fan so to me your 5513 has real potential.

Often tempting to "do up" an old 5513, swapping in a fresher dial, hands and insert - but sometimes it's viable to go the other way.

Add a set of patina'd hands, a creamy insert pearl and an aged leather strap - your watch could look fantabulous (IMHO).

If you're not a purist, a T39 superdome would also significantly reduce the effect of the relumed plots.

Just ideas - we've all got different tastes of course