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.