5513 dating

[Slawek]

Guys,
Can Rolex 5513 with the serial number 2.89 milion have a case back stamped IV.68? Isn’t it a too big difference?
Many thanks,
Sławek

[Dan S]

I would tend to think that serial would most likely have a 1971 case-back, or occasionally 1970. But that is just based on some numbers I have accumulated in a spreadsheet over time, and I'm sure there are other members with more data.

[athom]

2.9 is some years later than 68, around 72/73 I'd say!

[Slawek]

Yes, I agree, case back with 71 or 70 would make much more sense. I dwa though in the Mondani Submariner book a 1665 with serial 2.92 and a case back IV.67.

I wonder what would be ratinale for replacing later case back for an earlier one. For every thing else the watch looks consistent.

[Dan S]

The original back could have been damaged and the owner just happened to find the earlier one.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by athom

2.9 is some years later than 68, around 72/73 I'd say!

We are talking about case-back stamps, not when the watch was sold. I don't think I've even seen a 73 case-back stamp.

[Slawek]

I checked my materials and indeed, I din’t Find any case back stamped after 72