5513 Mark II - Could this be the one?

[fizz]

Originally Posted by qadhi

Reputed sellers are important but always make sure you do your homework and double check everything as anybody can do "unintentional mistakes".

"All original" means genuine Rolex parts and may include parts changed during Rolex service or at the shop as part of the "spa". There are too many watches with some very obvious issues hiding behind the reputations maintained by some sellers so be very cautious.

Market pricing is managed by few vintage dealers and you can search for old advertisements to see how they keep pushing it further every few months.

There is a reason some watches keep showing up for several weeks or months and some with even price adjustments too often. Stay clear!

This is pretty much what I learned during my hunt for a red sub in a month. ☺

PS. If you come across something which really clicks all the check boxes of a good watch then do not hesitate to pay some premium.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

Thanks qadhi.

I usually ask a standard set of questions from each seller to decipher what they really mean by original parts, serviced, running well etc. The answers vary by comprehension as well.

I agree market prices are largely dealer driven and have been rising steadily (for no apparent reason that I can tell). Over the past year alone, having searched the forums here and elsewhere extensively, the 5513 Mark 1-5 dials have gone up by anywhere between USD 500 to 1000. Not that the quality of the watches being sold has actually improved.

I am ready to pay a premium but my premiums are not good enough for the seller! Premium is of course subjective but not always reasonable :)

[fizz]

Thank you for the PM's. Sheds a bit more light on both the seller and the buying experience. It's good and bad both and I'm tempted to proceed with caution. I've asked a bunch of questions that I'm hoping to get a response for. Accuracy etc are tricky to deduce so nothing can be done except taking the word of the seller.

[fizz]

A sample of questions I recently sent to NBT. Too intimidating?

1 - Is the dial original and unchanged?
2 - Are the hands original and unchanged? There seems to be some difference in patina colour between dial and hands. Why is this?
3 - I think the bezel and insert are replacements as well. The Mark 2 from 78/79 should come with a fat font insert, which is not the case here.
4 - Does it come with box or papers?
5 - Has the case been polished and what is the condition of the lugs in your opinion?
6 - What about the crown guards? They seem thinner than they should be.
7 - What are the first 4 digits of the serial no? I know you have mentioned this starts with 59, but can I know the other 2 digits as well? This is to more accurately determine the year.
8 - Is there any stretch on the bracelet? Can you provide photos of the bracelet?
9 - Has the watch been recently serviced? If yes, by who and will you provide some paper work related to this service?
10 - Has the watch been tested for water resistance and pressure?
11 - Is there any warranty provided?
12 - What is your return and refund policy in case the watch is not as described?
13 - What is the bracelet reference number and what year engraving does it have? For 79 it should ideally be D or VD for e.g. Can you send me a picture of this bracelet reference no?
14 - What is the end link reference number?
15 - How many links does the bracelet come with?
16 - Can you send me pictures of the movement?
17 - Can you also send me pictures of the unscrewed case back to ensure no pitting or corrosion has occurred.
18 - In terms of performance, do you know how many seconds the watch gains or loses per day?
19 - Is the plexiglass a superdome no 19? If not, what glass is it? Service plexiglass?
20 - Would you be willing to sell the watch with just the head and no bracelet?
21 - Do you have a number I can call and speak to you on?

[Wing Zero]

nope, I think 10k warrants taking time to answer 21 easy questions... especially if you can't see the watch first hand.

If not, i would avoid.

[fizz]

Thanks and glad to know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Many of the sellers never come back to me after I send the initial list.... :S

[007Sub]

Case has seen a good deal of laser welding as we have seen before from examples coming out of China. Also as noted service insert present. Crystal is also not an original T19 superdome. I've seen some replica superdomes coming out of China and they have this very exact look. In short for that money you really should keep looking IMO


Inviato dal mio iPhone utilizzando Tapatalk

[themaninblack]

USD$10,000 for that! Good grief but I'm feeling a little cranky about this nonsense today. Utter nonsense I should say. That's an ordinary watch on a good day. Go get a brand new sub and buy yourself some other goodies with the change!

[fizz]

Originally Posted by themaninblack

USD$10,000 for that! Good grief but I'm feeling a little cranky about this nonsense today. Utter nonsense I should say. That's an ordinary watch on a good day. Go get a brand new sub and buy yourself some other goodies with the change!

I've thought of buying a new sub...but they just don't appeal to me, especially the fat lugs and gold surround.

Also, the seller had reduced the price to 9.2k USD (from 10), but I'm not pursuing this anymore.

[themaninblack]

Originally Posted by fizz

I've thought of buying a new sub...but they just don't appeal to me, especially the fat lugs and gold surround.

Also, the seller had reduced the price to 9.2k USD (from 10), but I'm not pursuing this anymore.

I completely understand your position but I simply refer to what has been occurring with this model as the prices for fairly ordinary examples that are hitting the $10k zone. I feel the inflation here has gotten almost out of control because these are not rare watches and you can't even trust going swimming with one and certainly you can't take one surfing or sailing. On the other hand you can go pretty close to getting a new Sub and a Black Bay Black for this money, okay not vintage but a nice pair mixing a modern and vintage looks and tons of watch for the money!

Btw excuse the edits but my iPhone is going a bit haywire.

[fizz]

Agreed completely. I recently half jokingly told a friend who is following my progress that I should just give up and for a third of the price I'm willing to spend get a brand new, gorgeous Tudor Black Bay Black on vintage leather. Looks the part and will probably become a future classic one day. And even if it doesn't, it's one hell of a good looking piece.

I think if i don't find something by end of year (looking more unlikely by the day...) and my new watch itch doesn't stop (does it ever), I will indeed pick up the Tudor.

[Dr DRW]

Service insert
I think you can do (a lot) better than 9.2 for a nice ft first 5513