Replace worn bushings with jewels in ref 5513?

[Dan S]

I just picked up a well-worn but original ref 5513 pre-COMEX (ca 1977) and my watchmaker is going through it. Several of the beryllium-bronze bushings in the auto-winding mechanism are badly worn and need replacement; they are not available from Rolex, and neither he nor I have had any luck in find NOS bushings.

My watchmaker, who is second generation Rolex-trained with 40-years experience and maintains a Rolex-approved independent shop with a parts account, says that he commonly replaces these bushings with the jewels that were used in the 26j movements that succeeded the 1520; the jewels are direct replacements for the bushings. I have found some old threads on this forum and others where this exact issue was discussed by watchmakers, so it seems like a very common problem and solution. In scouring the internet, I found many indications that replacing these worn bushings with jewels is common practice, but I have no first-hand experience with it. My watchmaker also checked with his Rolex instructors, and fitting jewels was their recommendation. Knowing my "crazy collector" preference for maintaining originality, he also mentioned another option, which would be for him to fabricate some bronze bushings that would look similar to the originals.

I am leaning towards fitting jewels, but wanted to get some additional perspectives from collectors. How far does one take concerns about maintaining originality, especially since the fabricated bushings would also not be original? The existing bushings are too worn to salvage, unless I want to convert the watch to a hand-winder. ;-)

All thoughts much appreciated.

[Dan S]

Well, 68 views and no replies - not a good ratio. :-)

Let me ask a specific question for collectors. As a collector considering a purchase, would it bother you that the movement had been repaired by fitting jewels to replace worn-out bushings?

Here's a gratuitous photo of the watch before cleaning. It's a bit of a beater, so maybe that makes the decision easier.

[Tools]

Fitting jewels is an accepted solution in my opinion.

Since the jewels are a direct replacement, the originality of the plates, case, and posts are retained. This solution provides for fitment of NOS bushings if they are found in the future and it is still desired.

I don't see a downside to this.

[springer]

I agree with Larry. Definitely have the jewels installed.

[Dr.Smellody]

Knowing Rolex otherwise used jewels where possible in movements of the era and before, is this a situation where Rolex reduced import dues/tariffs by offering a product with fewer jewels? (Since imports duties were assessed by the # of jewels in the movement.)

[Dan S]

Many thanks for the feedback @Tools and @springer. Your opinions have greatly increased my comfort level with fitting the jewels.

[037]

Jewels, definitely, especially if you're keeping it to wear. I wouldn't fault that as long as the plates aren't enlarged in the process.

Outstanding pre-Comex, btw.

[77T]

I faced the same dilemma but with a 50+ year old Omega. What I did was find a donor movement from the same era. Although that was damaged and for parts only, the auto-wind mechanism was fine. My watchmaker was able to press out the donor’s bushings and reuse them.

I would have certainly gone with jewels if I hadn’t found the movement on eBay. Sharing this just to say you could check around for such a situation for your movement.


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[Dan S]

Thanks @037 and @77T (Paul) for the suggestions. My watchmaker says that if I fit jewels, they can be replaced in the future with bushings if I find the right ones, since the plate is in good shape and the jewels are direct replacements. I will keep an eye out for a parts movement, but the condition of the bushings will always be a crapshoot, I assume. I'm leaning towards fitting jewels so I can get it on my wrist. :-)

@037, thanks for the your comments about the dial. The crystal was really scratched up in the auction listing and the photos were bad, so I was pleased to see how it cleaned up. It will be a fun wearer.

[R.W.T.]

Rolex would do this in service if they took it in at one time anyway.

I have jewels in my 1530 17 jewel watch that was serviced by them in the 80's.

[R.W.T.]

The 1520 came in 26 jewel and 17 jewel variety. The 17 jewel was often USA imported. Lower jewel count was less duty at the time. Not sure when this practice ended. It hardly matters. Watches are repaired. This is rather an upgrade that won't give trouble again.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

The 1520 came in 26 jewel and 17 jewel variety. The 17 jewel was often USA imported. Lower jewel count was less duty at the time. Not sure when this practice ended. It hardly matters. Watches are repaired. This is rather an upgrade that won't give trouble again.

Thanks @R.W.T., the comments from experts in this forum really helped with this decision. My watchmaker informs me that my cal 1520 is now a 25j movement. :-)

Some other parts in the auto-winding mechanism were also worn (pivots and a drive gear), so they were replaced with the correct parts. This is what happens when an owner wears a watch daily for decades without maintaining it. Other than those issues with the auto-winding, the movement itself is running well after COA, the jammed bezel is fine after cleaning out some dirt, and the watch even passed a pressure test. It will be a good wearer, and it will be better maintained in the future. I will post more photos when I get it back in a couple of weeks.

[Dr.Smellody]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

The 1520 came in 26 jewel and 17 jewel variety. The 17 jewel was often USA imported. Lower jewel count was less duty at the time. Not sure when this practice ended. It hardly matters. Watches are repaired. This is rather an upgrade that won't give trouble again.

Thanks for confirming. I had read that before.

[R.W.T.]

"This is what happens when an owner wears a watch daily for decades without maintaining it."

Yep...but some people you can never get them to believe it. It will fair better with the jewels and new parts and fresh lubrication.