5513 dilemma

[harleydog]

Hey all, long time lurker with a few posts here and there but was hoping to get some opinions on 2 5513s I am looking at to purchase one. The first is a meters first example very nice and second is a maxi “pumpkin “ has incredible color.
Thoughts?
Thank you
Claude

[SubKing]

you posted 2 pictures that are not very good. If you want overall condition comments, you need to post Large clear photos showing as much detail as possible to get good advice from the forum.

I will speak based on only what I can tell from the pics you provided.

Assuming both were original and in equal condition, I would take the earlier meters first 5513 every time over a maxi.. But that's not the case here.

personally I just prefer earlier examples, but that's not to say the maxi's are not equally as sought after by collectors.. In fact, I see them go for pretty much the same price in todays market.

the maxi has a fat font insert vs the meters first that has a thin font service replacement insert..

the meters first from what I can tell, seems to be on a folded 9315 bracelet which isn't correct for a Meters first, depending on that pieces serial, It most likely came on a rivet bracelet.. The maxi just seems to be more complete in terms of original parts compared to some of the later replacement parts on the M first 5513.

So assuming the price is the same for both watches, I would say go with the maxi in this particular circumstance.

[lupus66]

mf has better dial as i see it.

[harleydog]

Great will try and post better pics. How do you know it’s a service dial? Just trying to learn

[sensui]

Originally Posted by harleydog

Great will try and post better pics. How do you know it’s a service dial? Just trying to learn

The thin font.....I agree the maxi looks better originality wise but the meters first has a more pleasant dial.

[citanest]

I would go with the one with better dial and case condition. Hands and insert are easy swap. Good luck.

[GGGMT]

Pass on both imho. The swapped out hand on meter first dial would kill me every time I looked at it.

[harleydog]

I am told that thin font does not meant it’s a service dial -and the meters first dial and Hands are all original
Now really uncertain

[swish77]

Originally Posted by harleydog

I am told that thin font does not meant it’s a service dial -and the meters first dial and Hands are all original
Now really uncertain

"Thin font" is a reference to the insert, not the dial. The insert appears to be a service replacement, which is relatively minor. You could always source another insert if that bothers you, although they're pricey.

If it's between these two Subs, I prefer the meters-first example, because it seems to have a better case (compare the crown guards), and has an overall cleaner look on the dial/hands. The "meters-first" aspect would be meaningless to me. It just looks like a better example, although you'd certainly want a complete set of detailed photos to know for sure.

The discolored, slightly corroded hands on the maxi would bug me a lot, and getting a replacement set of hands with matching patina to the dial would be very difficult.

What's the asking price for each of them?

[harleydog]

12 and 14 respectively; so I can learn what give it away that the insert is a service insert and thanks for the input!

[The_Walrus]

Hi Claude
Dial is obviously top of the list when assessing a 5513, but please take into consideration case, crown, movement.
Post pictures of all angles. Any corrosion/pitting.
Serial numbers consistent with dial?
Research all this then come back for evaluation by the experts here.
Good luck.