Seeking Information on 5517/5513

[Blueline226]

Gents,

I am looking to obtain some information on the Rolex 5513. Like most of you here, I absolutely love the 5517 Milsub with the simplistic dial and sword hands. However, I also realize short of winning the lottery, owning one will never happen for me. That leads me to the 5513.

Through some research, it appears the 5517 was produced from 1971 to 1979. I would like to stay within that year range to as closely replicate a 5517 as I can. Here is where I’d like some assistance from the experts on TRF. Can you guys explain if the 5517 was a Serif or a Non Serif Dial? Did the 5517 dial have a maxi type or did it have the smaller lume plots (pre 1978ish)? Was the crystal the super domed or regular/slimmer? I know that I want to stay in the feet first dial range. I do like the look of the maxi dial. I would also appreciate if someone could enlighten me on the differences between MKI, MKII, MKIII, and MKIV configurations?

I own several watches that are in a rotation. However, this would probably be my daily wearer. What are your thoughts on wearing a vintage watch 4-5 times a week? Will the lume plots hold up with this kind of use? Will patina weaken the indices? This will be my first vintage piece so I’m looking for help/advise. Anything you could provide will be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you for taking the time to read this,

J

[spoilsofwar01]

5517 is also on my wants list (in my dreams)

Haywood Milton is your guy, he's the expert on this subject, I'm sure he'll be along shortly to tell all,


all the very best "H"

[Dan S]

This might get you started:

http://www.5513mattedial.com/About.html
https://www.vintage-db.com/the-rolex-milsub/

[Blueline226]

Great place to start!! Thanks guys

[jedly1]

The 5517 as a unique model reference was only made circa 1976-78 . There are also 5513 Milsubs and 5513/7 double reference Milsubs .

Milsubs were issued 72-79

All three models can be found with serif and non
Serif dials , from76/7 with smudge crown
And maxi dials but it’s an incredibly complicated subject as when
A watch was made doesn’t actually correlate to when it was issued and many cases sat in shelves for years before being used to complete purchase orders from
MOD .... so for example the last batch of 80 watches supplies in 1979 includes all three models , almost every sub on top dial you can think of and serials in both the 3 and 5 million
Ranges

[Frontier]

My 5517 Milsub is my most prized watch in my collection. I only wear it indoors at formal occasions out of concern of it oxidizing.

[Blueline226]

Originally Posted by Frontier

My 5517 Milsub is my most prized watch in my collection. I only wear it indoors at formal occasions out of concern of it oxidizing.

Let’s see a picture of that beauty!

[Mark020]

Originally Posted by Frontier

My 5517 Milsub is my most prized watch in my collection. I only wear it indoors at formal occasions out of concern of it oxidizing.

OXIDIZING. Joke of the year

[Frontier]

5517 AP.jpg

[Blueline226]

Originally Posted by Frontier

Attachment 1134730

Gorgeous!! :-) Thank you for sharing!

[Frontier]

Sorry the picture quality isn't great. I have some other pictures I will add.

[Frontier]

Here are more pictures of my MilSub 5517:
MilSub1.jpg
Milsub2.jpg
Milsub3.jpg

[jedly1]

I’m not sure Oxidising should be your biggest concern with that given it appears to be fake hands , dial and bezel at the very least I’m sorry to say :-(

Do you have scans between the lugs and caseback as the case looks very questionable too

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by jedly1

I’m not sure Oxidising should be your biggest concern with that given it appears to be fake hands , dial and bezel at the very least I’m sorry to say :-(

Do you have scans between the lugs and caseback as the case looks very questionable too

Now this will become interesting.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by jedly1

I’m not sure Oxidising should be your biggest concern with that given it appears to be fake hands , dial and bezel at the very least I’m sorry to say :-(

Do you have scans between the lugs and caseback as the case looks very questionable too

Ugh. And, oh dear.

[alwayshere]

Subscribing...

[Frontier]

I know it had some repairs in its history, but jedly1 you concern me with your comments. When I return to my home where the watch is located it sounds like I have some investigating to do. If improper parts were put on the watch that’s one thing. If your suggesting that it’s a fake then I have a more serious issue.

[jedly1]

If you need some help and would rather keep it private you can get me at ;

Jedly1@gmail.com

[cardiel]

ouch!

[zapokee]

Jed busts out a popcorn moment...

[BigBlue1]

speechless.

[Haywood_Milton]

Late to the party, but listen to Jed.

Did a dealer sell you the watch?

[offrdmania]

Oh no, I hope it isnt a Robert Maron special

[scooba]

Yikes !

[waspy1]

Yikes indeed. Case looks ‘very’ fat to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Frontier]

I won’t know anything for several weeks until I return to my other home.

[watchlovr]

It’s not even a good fake, shockingly bad.

[Haywood_Milton]

Originally Posted by Frontier

I won’t know anything for several weeks until I return to my other home.

Can you say from where / whom you bought it and how it was described at that time?

[Frontier]

I have reached out to the seller of the watch and informed him that there is concern about the pure authenticity of the watch. I have informed the seller that when I gain access to the watch in a few weeks I going to have the watch professionally evaluated. If there are issues I believe it will be properly rectified.
Since the seller is cooperating and may have himself been taken advantage of I am not going to reveal his identity.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Frontier

I have reached out to the seller of the watch and informed him that there is concern about the pure authenticity of the watch. I have informed the seller that when I gain access to the watch in a few weeks I going to have the watch professionally evaluated. If there are issues I believe it will be properly rectified.
Since the seller is cooperating and may have himself been taken advantage of I am not going to reveal his identity.

I think this is fair. Odd though, that even to me, who enjoys this as a hobby, not as my business that the piece involved would make me at least pause for thought.