Vintage Sub 5513

[finance21]

I am looking for something vintage perhaps Sub 5513 however; in an effort to be perfectly honest with myself, I know nothing right now about this watch, other than the fact that it is a great piece of Rolex history. The reason for my interest in this watch is not for something to wear but rather something I just want to have as a piece of Rolex history. Is there anyone out there with info on this watch? Any advice on where I may be best suited to find one and what they are priced at (ballpark)?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Oh yea, if anyone have some pictures or recommendation of other vintage pieces I would be interested.

[padi56]

Great vintage watch the 5513 Sub a vintage watch that can be worn everyday without any problem.Now there is plenty of information about the 5513 in forum here is one link to start you off.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...513#post169438

[finance21]

Thanks padi, are there other models out there (5512 ect) which you may recommend looking into? Of course $$ is a factor so I am not going too crazy.

[padi56]

Well the 5512 is exactly the same as the 5513 the only difference the 5512 has been COSC tested by a third party.Very similar like today the Air king and the non date Sub has the same movement as the Explorer.And the only difference movement wise is the Explorer has been COSC tested at a cost of around £140 per movement and that cost passed on to customer.And of course the words Chronometer on dial,but in reality the movements are exactly the same and can perform exactly the same.But today there are many collectable vintage Rolex but you cannot go wrong with the 5513 is a great choice



Now the first Rolex Oysters with the acquired Francis Baumgartner, made cases, based on a patent by Borgel.And the patent acquired from Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret for the screw down twin lock crown mechanism,The Rolex Oyster was born.Now these watches were never tested, and although from the mid 1930s Rolex signed there watches Chronometer clearly on the dial, with or without testing them. Now later in the mid 1940s the Rolex dial legend became "Certified Chronometer"and in the early 1950s it changed to "Officially Certified Chronometer" and only in 1962 onward was the current superlative chronometer legend used.But today the COSC IMHO is just now a marketing ploy. As all Rolex movements like many others will easily run to the set COSC standard.

[finance21]

Now my next question is original dial/hands or not? Pardon my ignorance,how can I tell if they are infact original. Personally, I would prefere original, but I am sure that will be reflected in the price (3-5k range sound about right?).

Where do I find them, I do not see them posted very often and I am unsure if a pre-owned Rolex dealer would offer a "good" price compared with a sales corner.

[Subfiend]

Originally Posted by finance21

Now my next question is original dial/hands or not? Pardon my ignorance,how can I tell if they are infact original. Personally, I would prefere original, but I am sure that will be reflected in the price (3-5k range sound about right?).

Where do I find them, I do not see them posted very often and I am unsure if a pre-owned Rolex dealer would offer a "good" price compared with a sales corner.

I have a 1966 5513 and a 1965 5512. In fact, I am wearing the 5512 today. Prices have doubled in the past two years. Expect to pay in the $4,000 range for an original example. Do your homework and learn the different dial configurations for the no-date Sub models. Lots of the lower priced Subs available for sale have replacement hands and dials, which dramatically effects their collectability and value. Learn the serial number ranges and what to look for. There is a lot of info available from reputable folks, and you can always ask questions in this and other forums. Look at A LOT of photographs.

[mike]

The 5513 is a great watch! Many consider it the classic "tool watch" diver.
Good 5513s are getting hard to find and as been stated prices are really going up. Either as a daily wearer or a collector's piece I just can't see any downside to the 5513.
As with any vintage piece condition is key. Box and papers will add significantly to the price. For me they're nice but the watch is key. I would absolutely wait for orginal dial and matching hands. The dial is where the money is and finding matching hands is getting VERY hard.
Age will certainly have a bearing on price with the older examples in nice condition commanding more $$$$.
A rule to go by is the writing on the dial, of course considering a year or two crossover, generally the dial will read as follows based on year:

62-68--meters first with SUBMARINER under
69-77--feet first with SUBMARINER under
78-89--feet first with SUBMARINER over.

Generally most feel 1984 was the year Rolex went to the gloss dial with WG surrounds. Certainly worth considering, however most collectors will opt for the matt dial with painted markers.

I would be selective on the dial, if Rolex replaces the dial at service it will be one with WG surrounds and luminova. Functional, but value takes a hit.
Proper bracelet will be the 93150 with 580 end links. Early versions had a riveted bracelet, but they're hard to find and the price will reflect.

I would also look for one that hacks if it's going to be a daily wearer--just easier.
Hacking began circa 70-72 depending.
Good luck on the hunt!

[mike]

I suppose I should put some pics in as a guide. Circa 1978, hacking, serviced by RSC Beverly Hills +1 sec. deviation

[Subfiend]

You see very few meters first dials after 1967. Also, a watch with original hands and dial probably was not sent to Rolex for service very often, since Rolex routinely changed the hands and dial once they looked ratty.

Here are some photos of mine with their friends:

[gmt 16750]

Mike pretty well sums it up but I would like to add that there was a period in-between the riveted and 93150 bracelet where the 5513 came with the 9315 'folded' link Oyster bracelet .

[padi56]

Great information and pictures guys.

[Lol-x]

Yeah, good information guys.
Am I correct in understanding what Peter said is that there is no real difference between a 1570 movement and a 1530 or 1520 movement, except the former has been COSC tested? I thought that there may be a difference in the number of jewels?
Anyway, the 5513 to me does represent very good value compared to the more expensive 5512. However that's just my way of thinking, and I do have a 5512 and have never had a 5513, although I have tried (darn outbid in the last second ).
The 5513 seems every bit as attractive and functional as the 5512.
I'm just wondering if the 5512 movement (1570) would have a longer lifespan than a 5513 movement (1530)?

[Subfiend]

My 5512 and 5513 have exactly the same movement, a 1520. There were made only a few months apart (III.65 and I.66).

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Subfiend

My 5512 and 5513 have exactly the same movement, a 1520. There were made only a few months apart (III.65 and I.66).

Thats correct Dave Rolex as confusing as ever,Cal 1530 found in the 5512, 5513 and sometimes the Cal 1520 in the 5513 and the Cal 1570 in the later 5512

[Alex Stylianou]

Go Vintage , Old watches are more antique and they feel good

[Ragu]

By hacking you mean it isn't a smooth sweep?

[mike]

Originally Posted by Ragu

By hacking you mean it isn't a smooth sweep?

Hacking refers to the ability to stop the second hand when the stem is pulled out to the position to set the hands. It's a military term. Generally it's accepted that Rolex introduced the hacking feature around 71 to 72. Of course with Rolex nothing is set in stone.

[Justin70]

I love my 5513. I just got it...it's almost 20 years old, and it's the coolest thing I own!!!

[mike]

Great looking watch Justin.

[Justin70]

Thanks Mike! Glad to be in the club!