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...


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[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...


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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.

[502 to Right]

ZWR laser welded my 114270 Explorer case this year. The turnaround was 2 months exactly and communication was excellent. I thought their pricing was reasonable and it was cheaper than what was quoted by Rolliworks. I did not get a quote from LAWW as I prefer to not deal with California businesses whenever possible (nothing against LAWW personally).

[rootbeer7]

Have you considered upgrading? For example Jacek is selling a lovely 5513 (at quick glance) with a great looking case.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by 502 to Right

I did not get a quote from LAWW as I prefer to not deal with California businesses whenever possible (nothing against LAWW personally).

BEAT LA

[1William]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Have you considered upgrading? For example Jacek is selling a lovely 5513 (at quick glance) with a great looking case.

I would either keep it the way that it is or trade it for a better example. There are too many things that can go wrong and at best what are you hoping for? A newer looking watch? By the time you get this work done the money maybe close to getting the better example. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Have you considered upgrading? For example Jacek is selling a lovely 5513 (at quick glance) with a great looking case.

If that's the one I'm looking at, the case has clearly been refinished, as with most of his watches these days. That's not a problem for the OP, obviously, but I don't see a big advantage in buying a watch with a refinished case over having his own case refinished, since he clearly like his watch overall.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Have you considered upgrading? For example Jacek is selling a lovely 5513 (at quick glance) with a great looking case.

Where can I see that pls?

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Dan S

If that's the one I'm looking at, the case has clearly been refinished, as with most of his watches these days. That's not a problem for the OP, obviously, but I don't see a big advantage in buying a watch with a refinished case over having his own case refinished, since he clearly like his watch overall.

It’s my birth year watch so you are right. It took me ages and ages to find the year and overall look I wanted. Literally between 2015 when I started looking and 2019 when I bought this one. So there is a profound case to upgrade this one’s case back to spec. I feel it’s all this one is lacking since it has been clearly over polished (in my view). As is clear I’m not a purist and as with my classic cars I regularly replace the entire suspension components or restore areas like the interior, but always back to spec, never modified. That is why I am focused on finding the restorer who will apply an exact methodology to only bring it back to OEM spec for that year and not a Frankenstein of case traits like wrong shaped crown cards or exaggerated chamfers from later or earlier iterations.

[inadeje]

Thanks to everyone so far. All your responses are immensely helpful as I navigate this decision

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Where can I see that pls?

I’m guessing it’s this one.

https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/vtbu

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by inadeje

That is why I am focused on finding the restorer who will apply an exact methodology to only bring it back to OEM spec for that year and not a Frankenstein of case traits like wrong shaped crown cards or exaggerated chamfers from later or earlier iterations.

As suggested above, I would urge you to contact the various shops and put these questions to them directly.

[illiguy]

I worked with Zimmerman on a 5512. Great experience.











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[inadeje]

Originally Posted by illiguy

I worked with Zimmerman on a 5512. Great experience.











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That does look excellent. May I ask if they rebuilt the lugs and crown guards or just lugs? Are you willing to share a ballpark figure for cost? I like the results.

[illiguy]

Both lugs and crown guards to get to original spec. Shared some photos and Zimmerman also has a library of models and measurements.

I can’t recall the total price, but it was not much more than an RSC Service, all in.

All my other watches are unpolished, and it was cool to see this one get new life.

[Lol-x]

Wow that is a great result on that 5512.
So laser welding can restore crown guards, I didn't know that.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by illiguy

Both lugs and crown guards to get to original spec. Shared some photos and Zimmerman also has a library of models and measurements.

I can’t recall the total price, but it was not much more than an RSC Service, all in.

All my other watches are unpolished, and it was cool to see this one get new life.

I can’t seem to locate a website. Is it the Drew Zimmerman in PA I see on instagram?

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by inadeje

I can’t seem to locate a website. Is it the Drew Zimmerman in PA I see on instagram?

Correct. Drew and his wife Emily (also a certified watchmaker).