Submariner Dial Question

[1904 Submariner]

New guy here. I just found this site today and have a question about Sub dials.

I've got a 5513 serial number 238XXX. I'm pretty sure it was made in 1969 or so. The dial reads 200m 660ft. The hour markers have been refinished some time in the past, but I never liked the way it looked. Also, the 56-59 minute markers are worn off. Some time ago I got another dial on ebay that looked better. Still refinished, but I like it better(and it glows in the dark). The trouble is that the new dial looks slightly smaller in diameter to me. Does the crystal slightly magnify the dial, thus creating the illusion? Did I get the wrong dial? Did I get a fake dial? Am I imagining all of this? I figured eventually I would have the watch serviced and the dial replaced at the same time. I've owned it for about 5 years.

I appreciate any input on this you guys might have.



And I am aware of the search function but didn't find anything.

[Bisquitlips]

First off, Welcome to TRF!!

I am not expert and will wait for the others to chime in here.

Just wanted to say Welcome!!!!

[1904 Submariner]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

First off, Welcome to TRF!!

I am not expert and will wait for the others to chime in here.

Just wanted to say Welcome!!!!

Thanks!

[1904 Submariner]

Maybe someone this morning will know?

[mike]

Well, I can't tell a lot by the size of the photo, but it does seem to be re-done to me. Acryllic crystals can distort a bit.

I can't see if there is any type of identifying feature on the back--Singer, Breyler, etc...

[1904 Submariner]

You can't see it from the picture, but the back of the dial does say SINGER on it. I suppose I can just take it to an AD. I just didn't want to show up with the wrong dial in my hands and look like an idiot.

[SLS]

Send the watch to Bob Ridley, he can fix the original dial to look like new!
www.watchmakers.com
Scott

[mike]

Originally Posted by 1904 Submariner

You can't see it from the picture, but the back of the dial does say SINGER on it. I suppose I can just take it to an AD. I just didn't want to show up with the wrong dial in my hands and look like an idiot.

Gotcha. I would echo Scott's advice then.

[1904 Submariner]

Originally Posted by SLS

Send the watch to Bob Ridley, he can fix the original dial to look like new!
www.watchmakers.com
Scott

Thanks for the link.

Is refinishing the original dial preferable to replacing it? Even if the replacement dial is identical(seemingly)?

[mike]

Originally Posted by 1904 Submariner

Thanks for the link.

Is refinishing the original dial preferable to replacing it? Even if the replacement dial is identical(seemingly)?

Boy....that can be question with several answers depending on the reference, value, etc.... and you'll get opinions on both sides.

Generally (with all disclaimers in place) the pecking order is original, service replacement, re-fin.

I think a big factor is the reference involved. A rare model or a hard to find model (especially with a dial that's shot) might benefit from a gentle restoration.

I think a period correct replacement is the better option to the puriest knowing the watch is now not original.

One also has to look at the value of the given reference, the cost of sourcing a correct period replacement and the future value of the end product (if that can even be done).

Depending on what you want from the watch Bob can do wonders and has the eye of the vintage community. Since it's already been re-done in some manner might as well have it done right.

Just some thoughts.

[1904 Submariner]

Originally Posted by mike

Boy....that can be question with several answers depending on the reference, value, etc.... and you'll get opinions on both sides.

Generally (with all disclaimers in place) the pecking order is original, service replacement, re-fin.

I think a big factor is the reference involved. A rare model or a hard to find model (especially with a dial that's shot) might benefit from a gentle restoration.

I think a period correct replacement is the better option to the puriest knowing the watch is now not original.

One also has to look at the value of the given reference, the cost of sourcing a correct period replacement and the future value of the end product (if that can even be done).

Depending on what you want from the watch Bob can do wonders and has the eye of the vintage community. Since it's already been re-done in some manner might as well have it done right.

Just some thoughts.

Well that's certainly a lot to consider. I appreciate the input.


Now I just have to decide what will work best for me.

[onkyo]

I would listen to Mike and find a period correct dial.

If you ever sell it, the value would be significantly more than a 're-finished' dial.

In these vintage watches it all about dial and hands (and case, movement, bracelet, )

[1904 Submariner]

Originally Posted by onkyo

I would listen to Mike and find a period correct dial.

If you ever sell it, the value would be significantly more than a 're-finished' dial.

In these vintage watches it all about dial and hands (and case, movement, bracelet, )

This is my first Rolex and will likely be my last. And unless I fall on very hard times, I can't see ever selling it. I bought it 5 years ago when I was 22. Now, it needs to be serviced and I would like it to look a little better while I'm at it. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but the loose dial does look much better than the one in the watch. I suppose there's nothing I can do now that can't be undone some time in the future.