5513 buying advise

[walkman2727]

hello everyone, I am interested in buying the 5513 sub in pictures, I was told the lume had been removed in the past. I plan to send it to a watchmaker to relume it....
Please be kind as to input your thoughts. Thanks a lot

[swish77]

It would depend on what you want, and the cost. Many collectors/hobbyists would avoid this watch because of the problems with the dial, which is the heart and soul (and vast majority of the value) of a vintage Rolex. Without the original tritium on the dial, the appeal is greatly diminished. In addition, this case has been over-polished.

So, in general, this watch would have very little appeal and value to many guys who are into vintage Subs, but at the same time if it's relatively cheap and you want a bit of a vintage vibe without having to worry too much about the value, I guess it could work. The word "beater" comes to mind. Again, it's all about what you're looking for and how much the seller is asking. Also keep in mind that you'd have a tough time selling it down the road, if you ever wanted to do that.

[saxo3]

Independent of its price, I would not buy this watch, there are much better examples around.

[walkman2727]

Originally Posted by swish77

It would depend on what you want, and the cost. Many collectors/hobbyists would avoid this watch because of the problems with the dial, which is the heart and soul (and vast majority of the value) of a vintage Rolex. Without the original tritium on the dial, the appeal is greatly diminished. In addition, this case has been over-polished.

So, in general, this watch would have very little appeal and value to many guys who are into vintage Subs, but at the same time if it's relatively cheap and you want a bit of a vintage vibe without having to worry too much about the value, I guess it could work. The word "beater" comes to mind. Again, it's all about what you're looking for and how much the seller is asking. Also keep in mind that you'd have a tough time selling it down the road, if you ever wanted to do that.

Thank a lot , your detailed info are helpful.




.

[joli160]

If you want it as a cheap daily beater fine. Not a collectible watch with this case and dial imho

[Filipão]

You'll regret this deal forever and every time you want to know what time it is.

Buy a decent 5513.

Good luck and stay safe Walkman2727!

[stmoore]

Depends on the price... even then it better be very very cheap.

What was the ask?

[airansun]

Originally Posted by Filipão

You'll regret this deal forever and every time you want to know what time it is.

Buy a decent 5513!

This

[Fleetlord]

Good idea to ask before you bought it.

Pass on this one.

[MrChamfers]

At 6k you could replace the dial and still be ahead?

[joli160]

Originally Posted by saltpeter

At 6k you could replace the dial and still be ahead?

Add the costs of another case in the mix

[Greg.A]

Originally Posted by swish77

It would depend on what you want, and the cost. Many collectors/hobbyists would avoid this watch because of the problems with the dial, which is the heart and soul (and vast majority of the value) of a vintage Rolex. Without the original tritium on the dial, the appeal is greatly diminished. In addition, this case has been over-polished.

So, in general, this watch would have very little appeal and value to many guys who are into vintage Subs, but at the same time if it's relatively cheap and you want a bit of a vintage vibe without having to worry too much about the value, I guess it could work. The word "beater" comes to mind. Again, it's all about what you're looking for and how much the seller is asking. Also keep in mind that you'd have a tough time selling it down the road, if you ever wanted to do that.

This is one sound advice

[Caesium Al]

Originally Posted by Filipão

You'll regret this deal forever and every time you want to know what time it is.

Buy a decent 5513.

Good luck and stay safe Walkman2727!

What an awesome reply! And a reminder that our beautiful watches do tell time! Follow this advice!

[ciceroyeah]

Something nobody else mentioned: the movement also appears to be quite dirty and very much in a state of disrepair, even if it is working, and would require a full service from a watchmaker specialist with the skill to restore vintage Rolex. A service like that can run into the thousands of dollars and take months, and replacement parts will almost certainly be required. If the price is around $6,000 a lot of these problems could be solved and the end result would break even, but it would be a lot of extra effort and risk for a meh watch, when you could just spend the additional money up front and buy one in much better condition.

[cm70]

Originally Posted by ciceroyeah

Something nobody else mentioned: the movement also appears to be quite dirty and very much in a state of disrepair, even if it is working, and would require a full service from a watchmaker specialist with the skill to restore vintage Rolex. A service like that can run into the thousands of dollars and take months, and replacement parts will almost certainly be required. If the price is around $6,000 a lot of these problems could be solved and the end result would break even, but it would be a lot of extra effort and risk for a meh watch, when you could just spend the additional money up front and buy one in much better condition.

I totally agree ...
that oscillating mass, in a big part, is in touch with the inner case back ...

[mattedialdoc]

This is a bad purchase on all accounts.

Can I ask, are you working within a certain budget so this is what is available at that price point? To buy this watch would be a huge mistake and forever regrettable. I’d much rather see you buy a later model sub in better condition if you have budget constraints. Good luck!


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[214270Explorer]

I agree with Swish77

[spoilsofwar01]

I'm put off by the ding on the case, is this also on the case back?

[zapokee]

I agree with the consensus here. Getting it fixed up would be a huge P in the A and would probably leave me with reduced enjoyment of the watch, not to mention the lower value of a relumed dial.

I'd save my pennies and buy a better example that's ready to go.

[mrtoulouse]

I’m gonna go against the crowd here, by mainly because I always enjoy a good project :D

The points made about the ding in the case could prove problematic, but the dial would bot hold me off for that price! A lot of good options for relume jobs in the US - and like someone said, you could source another dial, sell this one, and come out ahead. I would take the dial off your hands, if you do end up getting it.

This is not a collectors item - but it is also half the price of a top condition matte dial sub!
If you want to get into vintage and intend to keep the watch and actually enjoy wearing it, I think it is a good deal, if the movement is in good condition.

The case is not too bad, imho.

[MrChamfers]

The movement looks a bit pitted and grimy...I'd want a better look.

[Wahlberg]

Just stumbled upon this topic. Are people still buying these as beaters? For the right price I would love to own these messed up 5513s/1675s/Tudor subs etc. but unfortunately most of these are priced way too high.
I don't understand the mismatch in pricing though, private sellers and dealers need to adjust. Just sell them at beater prices. Would love to bang one around.


So in the end, who buys these watches at these high prices?

[Maggi]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Just stumbled upon this topic. Are people still buying these as beaters? For the right price I would love to own these messed up 5513s/1675s/Tudor subs etc. but unfortunately most of these are priced way too high.
I don't understand the mismatch in pricing though, private sellers and dealers need to adjust. Just sell them at beater prices. Would love to bang one around.


So in the end, who buys these watches at these high prices?

Totally agree with you ;)

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Just stumbled upon this topic. Are people still buying these as beaters? For the right price I would love to own these messed up 5513s/1675s/Tudor subs etc. but unfortunately most of these are priced way too high.
I don't understand the mismatch in pricing though, private sellers and dealers need to adjust. Just sell them at beater prices. Would love to bang one around.


So in the end, who buys these watches at these high prices?

Restoration has become very good. Invest a couple thousand into this watch, and you will have something very nice looking with a very strong resemblance to an original vintage watch. Some people will be totally happy with that, and don't want to pay the full price for a collectible piece.