ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

ctek · 12 June 2012, 05:39 PM

Guys,

Just recently re-found an old rolex from my father, not really into watches but I'm wanting to restore it to a decent state as it is without a bracelet and fairly worn..
pic :

From the model/serial number it seems that it is a 5513 from 1965 ( the model number looks fairly scratched so cant make %100 sure..).

Just basically trying to find out some basisc tips in trying to restore it...
Any input would be appreciated... do/dont's etc....

*** Would be a bonus if anyone can advise on what the ballpark cost of this type of watch wold be...

Cheers..
Mariano

Lol-x · 12 June 2012, 05:49 PM

That is an amazing watch you should keep in the family.

DO NOT do much to that watch at all. Keep the original dial, hands etc.
DO NOT let any old watchmaker polish that watch, it will be be a travesty.

The watch with a gilt dial may be in the ball park of $7-8K subject to a closer inspection with a bracelet.

TimeToGo · 12 June 2012, 05:53 PM

Welcome to the Forum!!

Very nice indeed!

Can you take other pics of the dial!

ctek · 12 June 2012, 06:40 PM

Thanks guys, Ill take more pictures....

Whats a "gilt" dial ???

Does it look real ?? ( I hope so )

ctek · 12 June 2012, 06:50 PM

another close up

ctek · 12 June 2012, 06:50 PM

a bit of damage on side...

swish77 · 12 June 2012, 08:29 PM

Beautiful, beautiful watch! Service the movement only, please! The hands, especially the minute hand, looks to have some oxidation, but so what. I'd keep them as is. The dinged crown might need to be replaced during the service, but that would be the only visible part I might change. Still, perhaps that could be left if it doesn't bother you. Maybe you could source a tritium pearl for the bezel insert, but don't replace the insert! Also, as noted before, don't polish the watch. It looks as if lugs might have been polished already (hard to tell from the photos) and you don't want to lose any more metal. Just get a nice NATO strap or source a Rolex metal bracelet, either period correct or a new one (both can be pricey.) A gilt dial, by the way, is a type of dial Rolex used on early Subs, pre-1965, I believe, that are glossy and have golden lettering. Very desirable. Rolex switched to a matt style dial with white lettering after that. The dial on your watch, as the kids say, is sick! Just stunning. Over time, some gilt dials crack, fade, or get discolored and blotchy. Yours looks pretty mint. Congrats!

ctek · 12 June 2012, 08:34 PM

it seesm that most 5513 have a black bezel, is the black deemed more desirable ?

ctek · 12 June 2012, 08:35 PM

thanks for the info swish77

swish77 · 12 June 2012, 08:44 PM

Only black bezels on the old Subs, although they often fade to gray over time. There is so, so much info on this forum and elsewhere about vintage Subs. If you're into it, immerse yourself in their history, and keep your watch in the family for future generations. Good luck!

Kingair · 12 June 2012, 09:00 PM

Nice watch !
As mentioned in the previous mails . . . go to an independent watch maker.
Do a search on TRF and you'll see who you need !

HAGT

ctek · 12 June 2012, 09:22 PM

Will do.. lots of info on here..... might take me some time to digest it all....

in relation to the rust, would it not get a lot worst over time ???

Robbyvm · 12 June 2012, 09:33 PM

beautiful watch ! ! 1965, my birth year...if i could only find a nice one in Europe (for an acceptable price)
wear it in good health and don't lose any sleep over some signs of age ! That's what vintage is all about right

Jagatai · 12 June 2012, 10:13 PM

A beauty! Keep it as original as possible.

swatty · 12 June 2012, 10:16 PM

Welcome to TRF, thats a nice gilt 5513 you have there.

Keeperoftime · 12 June 2012, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lol-x

That is an amazing watch you should keep in the family.

DO NOT do much to that watch at all. Keep the original dial, hands etc.
DO NOT let any old watchmaker polish that watch, it will be be a travesty.

The watch with a gilt dial may be in the ball park of $7-8K subject to a closer inspection with a bracelet.

+1

Lovely example.
Welcome to TRF!

azguy · 13 June 2012, 12:20 AM

Search for Bob Ridley here on TRF, he should be the man you send the watch too

AG1 · 13 June 2012, 12:39 AM

I'll chime in with the others. The key here is to do as little as possible
to the exterior of the watch. If you were to go to an authorised Rolex
dealer, they would probably either refuse to service it or replace so many
parts that you won't recognise the watch - so stay away and go to an
independent watchmaker who knows his vintage Rolex. In the US, Bob Ridley
seems to be the top guy for the job but there are others as well.

Do not make any fast decisions without reconfirming with this forum. That's
such an epic watch with such lovely wear/patina! Exactly the way vintage should
be.

Just my 2 cents...

Rebel · 13 June 2012, 01:24 AM

Wow.

jjkapsberger · 13 June 2012, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctek

Guys,

...not really into watches...

You will be once you get it serviced and wear it. It'll grow on you and you'll enjoy wearing it immensely. Good luck.

gregorpal · 13 June 2012, 02:48 AM

Just service the movement, and that's all. looks really nice! Congrats, and keep it!!

TurboWatch · 14 June 2012, 12:39 AM

[QUOTE=ctek;3352824]Guys,

Just recently re-found an old rolex from my father, not really into watches but I'm wanting to restore it to a decent state as it is without a bracelet and fairly worn..
pic :

From the model/serial number it seems that it is a 5513 from 1965 ( the model number looks fairly scratched so cant make %100 sure..).

Just basically trying to find out some basisc tips in trying to restore it...
Any input would be appreciated... do/dont's etc....

*** Would be a bonus if anyone can advise on what the ballpark cost of this type of watch wold be...

Cheers..
Mariano[/QUOTE

Congrats !.

I'd do nothing to it but a new crystal and a fresh tune-up. Keep it and don't ever flip something like this.

I've got one with original BP too

ctek · 15 June 2012, 10:15 PM

So have decided to try and get a bracelet, anyone have any suggestions as to where might be a good place to source one for this year of watch ??? Ebay seems to only have a few..

md543678 · 16 June 2012, 01:01 AM

Very very nice, please DO NOT let anyone polish the case remove the old hands, KEEP IT ORIGINAL. For a braclet ask around here theres always someone that you can trust here.
REMEBER KEEP IT ORIGINAL!!!!

topcat30093 · 16 June 2012, 03:19 AM

Everything has been said already. :)

So I shall just say welcome and add my congratulations, that is a beautiful and original piece.:)

Regards

Tony

ctek · 17 June 2012, 08:05 PM

Anyone else have 5513 from 1965 ??? would be interested in seeing some other members pictures....

Jagatai · 18 June 2012, 12:50 AM

Check out the vintagetolexforum dial archive.

qtaro · 21 June 2012, 08:54 PM

Went to my watchmaker last week and he has a 5513 as well.

If you are in Sydney and wants to service your watch, pm me and I'll send his details to you.

Puffy · 21 June 2012, 09:35 PM

very nice find

looks all original to me, FF insert, dial, hands, the lot, even factory bevels

i'd just have the movement serviced and a new bracelet fitted, the rest needs no work

ctek · 7 August 2012, 07:21 PM

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

just a quick update, I took watch to local watch guy, just wanted it opened to ensure it wasn't rusted as I wanted to take some pics....
he had rolex tool, and i stated i just wanted the case opened, so no work was done so no major risk....

Guy said it was old and no bracelet, and if I wanted to sell for 2grand...

I'm fairly confident it's worth more than that ;)

12 June 2012, 05:39 PM	#1
ctek "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 44	Rolex 5513 - 1965 - Guys, Just recently re-found an old rolex from my father, not really into watches but I'm wanting to restore it to a decent state as it is without a bracelet and fairly worn.. pic : From the model/serial number it seems that it is a 5513 from 1965 ( the model number looks fairly scratched so cant make %100 sure..). Just basically trying to find out some basisc tips in trying to restore it... Any input would be appreciated... do/dont's etc.... *** Would be a bonus if anyone can advise on what the ballpark cost of this type of watch wold be... Cheers.. Mariano

12 June 2012, 05:49 PM	#2
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,593	That is an amazing watch you should keep in the family. DO NOT do much to that watch at all. Keep the original dial, hands etc. DO NOT let any old watchmaker polish that watch, it will be be a travesty. The watch with a gilt dial may be in the ball park of $7-8K subject to a closer inspection with a bracelet. __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

13 June 2012, 01:24 AM	#19
Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail Location: New Albany Watch: Tudor Sub 75090 Posts: 8,257	Wow. __________________ ------------------------------- Member of the Nylon Nation

14 June 2012, 12:39 AM	#22
TurboWatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NorCal Posts: 1,641	Nice [QUOTE=ctek;3352824]Guys, Just recently re-found an old rolex from my father, not really into watches but I'm wanting to restore it to a decent state as it is without a bracelet and fairly worn.. pic : From the model/serial number it seems that it is a 5513 from 1965 ( the model number looks fairly scratched so cant make %100 sure..). Just basically trying to find out some basisc tips in trying to restore it... Any input would be appreciated... do/dont's etc.... *** Would be a bonus if anyone can advise on what the ballpark cost of this type of watch wold be... Cheers.. Mariano[/QUOTE Congrats !. I'd do nothing to it but a new crystal and a fresh tune-up. Keep it and don't ever flip something like this. I've got one with original BP too

16 June 2012, 03:19 AM	#25
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,460	Everything has been said already. :) So I shall just say welcome and add my congratulations, that is a beautiful and original piece.:) Regards Tony __________________

12 June 2012, 05:53 PM	#3
TimeToGo 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 16,736	Welcome to the Forum!! Very nice indeed! Can you take other pics of the dial!

12 June 2012, 06:40 PM	#4
ctek "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 44	Thanks guys, Ill take more pictures.... Whats a "gilt" dial ??? Does it look real ?? ( I hope so )

12 June 2012, 06:50 PM	#5
ctek "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 44	another close up

12 June 2012, 08:29 PM	#7
swish77 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Aaron Location: CT/NYC Watch: ing the time! Posts: 7,002	Beautiful, beautiful watch! Service the movement only, please! The hands, especially the minute hand, looks to have some oxidation, but so what. I'd keep them as is. The dinged crown might need to be replaced during the service, but that would be the only visible part I might change. Still, perhaps that could be left if it doesn't bother you. Maybe you could source a tritium pearl for the bezel insert, but don't replace the insert! Also, as noted before, don't polish the watch. It looks as if lugs might have been polished already (hard to tell from the photos) and you don't want to lose any more metal. Just get a nice NATO strap or source a Rolex metal bracelet, either period correct or a new one (both can be pricey.) A gilt dial, by the way, is a type of dial Rolex used on early Subs, pre-1965, I believe, that are glossy and have golden lettering. Very desirable. Rolex switched to a matt style dial with white lettering after that. The dial on your watch, as the kids say, is sick! Just stunning. Over time, some gilt dials crack, fade, or get discolored and blotchy. Yours looks pretty mint. Congrats!

12 June 2012, 08:34 PM	#8
ctek "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 44	it seesm that most 5513 have a black bezel, is the black deemed more desirable ?

12 June 2012, 08:35 PM	#9
ctek "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 44	thanks for the info swish77

12 June 2012, 08:44 PM	#10
swish77 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Aaron Location: CT/NYC Watch: ing the time! Posts: 7,002	Only black bezels on the old Subs, although they often fade to gray over time. There is so, so much info on this forum and elsewhere about vintage Subs. If you're into it, immerse yourself in their history, and keep your watch in the family for future generations. Good luck!

12 June 2012, 09:00 PM	#11
Kingair "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA Watch: Not enough ;-) Posts: 21,232	Nice watch ! As mentioned in the previous mails . . . go to an independent watch maker. Do a search on TRF and you'll see who you need ! HAGT

12 June 2012, 09:22 PM	#12
ctek "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 44	Will do.. lots of info on here..... might take me some time to digest it all.... in relation to the rust, would it not get a lot worst over time ???

12 June 2012, 09:33 PM	#13
Robbyvm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,239	beautiful watch ! ! 1965, my birth year...if i could only find a nice one in Europe (for an acceptable price) wear it in good health and don't lose any sleep over some signs of age ! That's what vintage is all about right

12 June 2012, 10:13 PM	#14
Jagatai "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Philip Location: NY Posts: 851	A beauty! Keep it as original as possible.

12 June 2012, 10:16 PM	#15
swatty 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Peter Location: Sydney Watch: The Game Posts: 17,415	Welcome to TRF, thats a nice gilt 5513 you have there.

13 June 2012, 12:20 AM	#17
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	Search for Bob Ridley here on TRF, he should be the man you send the watch too

13 June 2012, 12:39 AM	#18
AG1 Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sweden Posts: 104	I'll chime in with the others. The key here is to do as little as possible to the exterior of the watch. If you were to go to an authorised Rolex dealer, they would probably either refuse to service it or replace so many parts that you won't recognise the watch - so stay away and go to an independent watchmaker who knows his vintage Rolex. In the US, Bob Ridley seems to be the top guy for the job but there are others as well. Do not make any fast decisions without reconfirming with this forum. That's such an epic watch with such lovely wear/patina! Exactly the way vintage should be. Just my 2 cents...

13 June 2012, 02:48 AM	#21
gregorpal "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Myplaceintheworld Posts: 360	Just service the movement, and that's all. looks really nice! Congrats, and keep it!!

15 June 2012, 10:15 PM	#23
ctek "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 44	So have decided to try and get a bracelet, anyone have any suggestions as to where might be a good place to source one for this year of watch ??? Ebay seems to only have a few..

16 June 2012, 01:01 AM	#24
md543678 Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Mike Location: Illinois Watch: SS YatchMaster Posts: 90	Very very nice, please DO NOT let anyone polish the case remove the old hands, KEEP IT ORIGINAL. For a braclet ask around here theres always someone that you can trust here. REMEBER KEEP IT ORIGINAL!!!!

17 June 2012, 08:05 PM	#26
ctek "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 44	Anyone else have 5513 from 1965 ??? would be interested in seeing some other members pictures....

18 June 2012, 12:50 AM	#27
Jagatai "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Philip Location: NY Posts: 851	Check out the vintagetolexforum dial archive.

21 June 2012, 08:54 PM	#28
qtaro "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Australia Watch: 6202 6542 1680 Posts: 89	Went to my watchmaker last week and he has a 5513 as well. If you are in Sydney and wants to service your watch, pm me and I'll send his details to you.

21 June 2012, 09:35 PM	#29
Puffy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there Posts: 12,485	very nice find looks all original to me, FF insert, dial, hands, the lot, even factory bevels i'd just have the movement serviced and a new bracelet fitted, the rest needs no work __________________ Fine Quality is Long Remembered After the Pain of Spending Money is Forgotten

7 August 2012, 07:21 PM	#30
ctek "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 44	https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink just a quick update, I took watch to local watch guy, just wanted it opened to ensure it wasn't rusted as I wanted to take some pics.... he had rolex tool, and i stated i just wanted the case opened, so no work was done so no major risk.... Guy said it was old and no bracelet, and if I wanted to sell for 2grand... I'm fairly confident it's worth more than that ;)

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)