I need some help - which sub?

[mcjp6]

I am looking to buy another sub, my choices are: either a mid 60's 5512 in good condition but with service replacement tritium dial and hands or a mid 80's 5513 in good condition and all original.

The 5512 would cost approx 35% more than the 5513, but is obviously marked down because of the replacement parts. I would be happy with either and both would "fit" into my collection but I just cannot decide which would be the better way to go.

I would love to hear some thoughts/opinions to help with this decision. Which one would you buy and why?

[greekbum]

you need to tell more about the 2 to get a fair answer.Mid 80's wg dial? mid 60's original gilt dial watch? condition the same?case dial hands etc?I would buy what I like and price?

[mcjp6]

Originally Posted by greekbum

you need to tell more about the 2 to get a fair answer.Mid 80's wg dial? mid 60's original gilt dial watch? condition the same?case dial hands etc?I would buy what I like and price?

yes, the 5513 tritium wg dial and the 5512 has a service replacement maxi tritium dial.

assume the condition of each watch is the same. I really would be happy with both, hence the hard decision.

[greekbum]

I personally don't care for the wg dialed 5513.Plastic+matte=
I like the matte sapphire 16800 but something about a modern wg dial and plastic At the end of the day buy what makes you happy.Thats what its all about

[oinkitt]

Michael,

Why would you want a 5133 without the original dial?

[mcjp6]

Originally Posted by oinkitt

Michael,

Why would you want a 5133 without the original dial?

Hi Adrian - the 5513 is original. It is the 5512 that has a service replacement dial.

[oinkitt]

Ok - why the 5512 without the original dial?

This is running up my post count!!

[mcjp6]

Originally Posted by oinkitt

Ok - why the 5512 without the original dial?

This is running up my post count!!

two in one day Adrian.....

I guess the answer to that is I don't have the opportunity (read that as money) to buy a 100% original mid 60's 5512 at the moment, but this one with a service replacement dial is one I can afford.

[oinkitt]

I say wait, save up and get a 5512 with all the trimmings - cant beat an original gilt dial!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sakuraba]

For me, the lure of the 5512 and 5513 is seeing either with a matte dial and matching hands.

FWIW, I'd rather get a 16800 (if that's an option price-wise) with a matte dial than your 2 choices.

Just my

[mcjp6]

Originally Posted by oinkitt

I say wait, save up and get a 5512 with all the trimmings - cant beat an original gilt dial!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Probably not an option Adrian and I am a now person and cannot save.....

Originally Posted by sakuraba

For me, the lure of the 5512 and 5513 is seeing either with a matte dial and matching hands.

FWIW, I'd rather get a 16800 (if that's an option price-wise) with a matte dial than your 2 choices.

Just my

Thanks Jib, not a problem price wise but maybe availability.....

[mcjp6]

Thanks for the comments and to help me sort out my thoughts. So the hunt is still on, I am not going with either of the above.

So now looking for all something thats all original and it has to be a matt dial, no wg.

I think half the enjoyment is the searching.....

[Renoir]

Of the two choices, if it were me, I would go for the 5512. If it were a choice between a complete 5513 from the same era, it would be a tough choice.

For me a service dial is not a deal breaker. The way I see it, it is an original Rolex dial (although newer) that is correct for the watch and is the next best thing if an original example cannot be found.

Best of luck with your decision.

[mcjp6]

Originally Posted by Renoir

For me a service dial is not a deal breaker. The way I see it, it is an original Rolex dial (although newer) that is correct for the watch and is the next best thing if an original example cannot be found.

Best of luck with your decision.

Thats a view that has not been put before and a good one IMO. Especially as the replacement dial on the 5512 is correct and is matt, so definitely have to give this some more thought, thanks Renoir

[mike]

Originally Posted by Renoir

Of the two choices, if it were me, I would go for the 5512. If it were a choice between a complete 5513 from the same era, it would be a tough choice.

For me a service dial is not a deal breaker. The way I see it, it is an original Rolex dial (although newer) that is correct for the watch and is the next best thing if an original example cannot be found.

Best of luck with your decision.

It wouldn't be a deal breaker for me either assuming the case, lugs, etc.. are in proper trim.

It is a proper dial and you have the capability to source a period correct dial down the road as means permit.

[swish77]

One thing about the 5512 Rolex service replacement dials ... Be sure it's a tritium dial, if that's important to you. I had in my hand recently a 5512 with a matte, "maxi" 5512 Rolex replacement dial that had the newer style luminous (I assume super luminova) on the hour markers, not tritium. The bottom of the dial still had the "T < 25" on it, indicating tritium, but it was not tritium on the dial. I subsequently discovered, thanks to this forum, that Rolex would sometimes print the "T" on the bottom of the old-style 5512 replacement dials, even if they used the new type of luminous. Weird, but true. I saw it. Nothing wrong with this type of Rolex replacement dial, of course, as long as you know what's what.