5513 Very best case restoration regardless of price USA

[inadeje]

I'm thinking about restoring the case on my late ‘60s 5513 Submariner to its original factory specs. Since I plan on keeping this watch for the long haul, I figure it’s worth pampering it and bringing it back as close as possible to how it looked when it left Rolex over 50 years ago. The case has seen a lot of polishing over the decades, so I know laser welding will be necessary to bring it back to life.

I’m looking for the top specialist in the U.S. for this kind of restoration, and I’m open to recommendations, regardless of cost.

- Does anyone with vintage expertise have advice on where I should send this work?

- While price isn't my main concern, what would be a reasonable ballpark range for this kind of restoration?

Thanks

[TimeLord2]

Zimmerman Watch Repair, Los Angeles Watch Works (LAWW), and Rolliworks. That's all I got, and I believe in the right order from when I was looking to do the same. Definitely post several before pics and some after pics. Would love to see the results once you make a decision. Cost is dependent on how much work needs to be done, but an estimate for mine (GMT 1675) from LAWW at one point (2020) was about $750 and that was without laser welding, which I still do think it does need a bit to build up the cratering around the lug holes prior to refinishing.

[miamiclay]

As you are right here in Miami, imo it makes sense to take it in to Rolliworks in person and go over it face to face.

[Dan S]

I have used LAWW and Rolliworks. Both are all right, but a bit inconsistent. Really depends what you are hoping to achieve. Your case will certainly be improved assuming that it is over polished, but you probably shouldn't expect it to look like it did originally.

My understanding is that Zimmerman charges roughly 2x as much, and I've also heard mixed reviews, but that is hearsay.

[Dom9]

I'd be fascinated in a restoration update, if/when you get it done, I'd be interested in lug welding, building them back up (a bit) and getting an accurate ball park estimate appears difficult!

[502 to Right]

Originally Posted by Dan S

My understanding is that Zimmerman charges roughly 2x as much, and I've also heard mixed reviews, but that is hearsay.

I don't believe that to be true based on personal experience (with respect to both price and quality of their work).

I urge anyone who is interested in getting work done to contact ZWR, Rolliworks, and/or LAWW and get a quote. Examples of work done can be found on their respective websites / Instagram page, as well as some photos here and WUS.

[Kingface66]

Can you post some pictures that aren’t just head-on? I ask because I had laser welding done on a watch where the work needed was only really seen from a side view of the lugs…specifically the ends of them. I used Rolliworks, and am, by and large, happy with the results. Sadly, it was during early Covid days, AND right after the moved to Miami. As a result, they had the watch for….18 months. I’ll dig up the work order and bill.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by 502 to Right

I urge anyone who is interested in getting work done to contact ZWR, Rolliworks, and/or LAWW and get a quote. .

Good advice.

[77T]

I know you didn't ask the question that I'm suggesting...

I would keep that Sub the way it is unless there is damage I can't see in the photos. But that's just me.

Looks like an honest amount of wear gained in its lifetime. Sure, it hasn't got the sharpness it had when born but neither do we...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Texasjim]

I have a 5513 at Rolliworks as I type this. The case has been there for a while now. They have also done some bracelet work for me before, and the finished work was awesome. Looking forward in seeing the case back soon.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by 77T

I know you didn't ask the question that I'm suggesting...

I would keep that Sub the way it is unless there is damage I can't see in the photos. But that's just me.

Looks like an honest amount of wear gained in its lifetime. Sure, it hasn't got the sharpness it had when born but neither do we...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Yes, I’ve also considered leaving as-is but something keeps urging me every 6 months or so to bring it back to OEM spec. Some have also said that after a very short period after it’s done I won’t notice much difference. It’s true that it is an honest watch as you can see in the photos.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

As you are right here in Miami, imo it makes sense to take it in to Rolliworks in person and go over it face to face.

I know that Rolliworks is my closest option geographically, however, I can’t erase from my memory a thread I read on here in which the OP had issues with them and others who chimed in stated that sometimes the chamfering is too pronounced (when compared to OEM) or the crown guards were built back up with laser weld wrongly. Again, it could have been a one-off issue and not indicative of their usual workmanship. That’s why I am asking here to be honest. I would prefer to ship anywhere instead of getting under par work geographically closer if that makes sense?

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Texasjim

I have a 5513 at Rolliworks as I type this. The case has been there for a while now. They have also done some bracelet work for me before, and the finished work was awesome. Looking forward in seeing the case back soon.

Why would they have it a while? Did they not provide a reasonable timeframe to carry out the restoration? Again, these are comments I appreciate but do worry me.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Why would they have it a while? Did they not provide a reasonable timeframe to carry out the restoration? Again, these are comments I appreciate but do worry me.

If this is going to bother you, don't send your watch anywhere. In my experience, you really can't count on anyone sticking with their estimated timelines. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.