1964 5513 with glossy replacement dial: do or don't?

[Sdevries81]

Hi all,

I am new to the vintage world and hope the experts here can give me some advice.
I stumbled upon what seems to be a 1964 5513 (1.02 mil serial) in a very good condition. No scratches and unpolished but unfortunately it has an end-80's glossy replacement dial (and hands) with the white gold surrounds etc. Bracelet is from the same era as well.
I must say that it stole my heart nevertheless. The dial and hands aged beautifully and have a nice warm patina to them. The asking price is 6500 Singapore Dollar (roughly 5200 USD, no original box/papers).

I really like the thought that it is one of the first 5513's. I consider to buy it, wear and enjoy it with the current end-80's dial, and in the mean time keep an eye out for the original late '63 / early '64 gilded dial ( believe it should be an open chapter ring; meters first; "Swiss"-only at 6; and an underline under "submariner") and matching hands.

I have three questions I'd like to ask:
1. How well suited is a '64 5513 as a watch to be worn on a (almost) daily basis? Is a movement this old to fragile or should it be no problem when well serviced?

2. Does it make sense from a collectors perspective to replace current dial and hands at one point as described above? And how feasible is this?

I'd like to thank for all your thoughts in advance. I have a bad case of vintage fever but want to make sure my first is not going to be a mistake.

Here two pictures to show the state of the watch in question. Really love the patina, even though it should be a different dial of course!

[Tools]

If it has a proper service dial replacement and bracelet, it is likely well cared for and likely a good purchase if it meets your needs..

A 5513 can be safely worn daily as well as it was when new as long as the seals and case are structurally sound.. only a look inside and pressure check can tell you this..

As to searching for an early matte dial, this can be a worthy quest while wearing it in the meantime.. When found, any capable watchmaker can make the switch for you......

[waspy1]

It's not a bad price if all is in good condition. For sure, it is only collectible if it has the correct dial an hands. I think an underline dial may be almost impossible to find loose with matching hands but a non underline could be correct also so don't limit yourself to that.

[high5]

dont do it. Instead, get a good conditioned 5513 without dial replacement. The most expensive part of a vintage rolex is the dial. Having the replacement dial defeat the purpose .

[VinSub1680]

Originally Posted by high5

dont do it. Instead, get a good conditioned 5513 without dial replacement. The most expensive part of a vintage rolex is the dial. Having the replacement dial defeat the purpose .

I totally agree. Dial is the most expensive part of a vintage rolex.

[Alerion]

A proper dial is pricey you'll have more that enough into the watch not counting any unseen service work, probably cost more in the long run.

I looked at a few Red Subs on Ebay and decided to pass because of the cost of the dials and other service work that were needed. I waited until the right watch came up and then got what I wanted. Near perfect condition running perfect.

[vkychoo]

I concur. Have you checked out the cost of a period accurate replacement dial in the matching condition with the existing hands? It could could as much as the watch itself before workmanship to replace it

[FLY-DOG]

Originally Posted by high5

dont do it. Instead, get a good conditioned 5513 without dial replacement. The most expensive part of a vintage rolex is the dial. Having the replacement dial defeat the purpose .

Concur 100%

[Sdevries81]

Thanks all for your input. I now believe it to be best to continue to look for a good and correct 5513. This would imply though that I have to increase my budget somewhat and test my patience:)

As a shorter term solution I am considering a 14060 or non-COSC 14060M. Quite not as enchanting as the 5513, but still beautiful, within budget and well suited for frequent use.

[violetman]

If it's a maxi dial 5513, it's worths $5000 usd , even not gilt dial, I have no doubt to take it!

For me, it's possible to find a early 200m gilt dial / 200 m maxi dial if the case condition is good!

[JPersat]

If it was me, I'd get it, and contact Steve Mulholland and have him source a Matte dial.

[Robbyvm]

just keep looking for a nice meters first 5513... i'm sure you would regret buying this one after a while
add the budget for correct dial on top op the price for this one will easely buy you the above.

[simplerolex]

Yep I'll sure buy it and look for the right dial ...

[Vincent65]

I wouldn't

[Mark020]

All depends on the price. At 5200 I wouldn't buy.

[HL65]

I wouldn't -- Pass....Cheers,

[jmin]

I think USD5200 is a bit steep for the watch in your pics. As the other members above have stated there are many original 5513s that can be bought at that price.