Period incorrect 5513 dial: advice?
 

Hi everyone,

I am still learning but unfortunately as part of my learning it has been pointed out to me that my 1971-72 5513 should have a matte dial and not a gloss dial with white gold markers. Needless to say I was a little dissapointed by my lack of research when I dived into the submariner as my first serious watch but ended up getting it slightly wrong.

For all the seasoned campaigners. Should I worry about this replacement dial That is period incorrect or should I find the correct dial for the watch?

Does anyone know where to buy a genuine matte dial for a 5513? I haven't had any luck finding one.

Thanks in advance, Trav.

Matte dials were produced from 1966 to around 1984,that's when the gloss or so called maxi dials with gold surrounds started.And dials in that past era were often changed at service time by Rolex, replacement matte dial are quite hard to find.So if you intend to keep your watch myself would not worry to much about it. But watch will not have the same retail value as a proper matte period dial if you do want to sell.

Matte dials show up from time to time on VRM (http://vintagerolexmarket.com/) - you can either do a search (there was one listed not too long ago), or post a WTB.

As stated above VRM is your best bet. Avoid ebay unless you have someone that can help you verify authenticity. Hate to tell you this, but frequently when they replace a dial at service they also replace the hands, crown, plexi and bezel insert...

No, you should not worry about this. A gold surround dial is a proper service replacement and there are thousands like it in the world; same with a trip-lock crown.

Proper and period correct are two different animals, both are worthy examples.

If you are OCD and must have a "period correct" piece then perhaps you should be looking for that and give this one up to those who want a vintage, but fully functional watch that has been serviced from time to time..

It's all about personal decisions in the watch hobby, not what a Forum opinion poll might say.. :cheers:

Good advice above, I should have mentioned something to this effect. A majority of the 5513's out there will have service parts on them and there is nothing wrong with that. Trying to restore a watch to its original condition can be an expensive and time consuming project and for many it is not necessary. Some folks only want the "original" and some do not care. It is much easier if you fall into the latter...Either way it is still a vintage Rolex.

Being this is a watch forum full of watch enthusiasts you will hear different opinions on that. Personally I am one of the folks that looks for the all original piece but that is just my preference. You also pay a premium for those watches.

I am the same and prefer original but consider the costs estimated -
dial and hands €2000, a nice bezel period correct €500, then of course the bracelet might be incorrect, endlinks too maybe, a service clasp, it doesn't take long for a money pit to develop - have been there!
Be nice to see a pic of trav's watch but best advice maybe just to accept it as is and enjoy it!
David

As Larry indicated it's a question of functionality v orginality. A service dial is correct for the watch, just not the era.

Correct for it would be matt, feet first with SUBMARINER under.:cheers:

Thanks for all the wonderful advice on this. Making me feel better about my piece. Here are some pics.

Looks like a nice watch, bit of colour developing on those plots too! If it were mine would leave as is and enjoy it.....unless an unexpected load of moolah appears then maybe consider a period correct dial and hands - a set currently on VRM for 1700swiss francs! Funnily enough a service dial like yours fetches 400swiss francs - no hands!
david

Don't get too upset. Track down a good dial that makes you happy. See the glossy one that you dislike. The net cost to you should be more reasonable.

Hi again,
I think I can pick up a maxi dial for my 1971 5513 but technically this is not the models intended dial either. I could potentially go the serif or non serif dial. What are your thoughts, is a maxi dial and matching hands close enough and should I get that in replacement of my white gold marker dial?

Or

Is it still not worth it as it isn't the exact match?

Thanks

The Maxi is period incorrect - so would have an effect on resale value if that day ever came, a Serif would seem the best option, if you can find one, as your watch falls smack in the date range.
You have it already maybe but this by Beaumont Miller II is good!
http://www.5513mattedial.com/Serifs.html

What do you think droptopman? To Matte maxi or not?

So you think I will just have the same problem?

My serial falls straight in the ambiguity area where it could be a serif or non serif.

Well that is better as your choice is wider....but personally would go for what your watch - probably - started it's life with. It will be a tough search, but rewarding too!

Tough question. I would probably just enjoy the watch.

I have went through this before and it was expensive to restore a watch to its original condition. Just a nice fat font insert will run you $1000+. Dial will cost much more. I found some NOS parts (plexi and 700 crown/tube) but paid a premium for them.

The other option is to look for an all original watch that sings to you and trade yours or sell it. If I was to do it over again that is the route I should have taken and it would have been more cost effective. Although finding all the parts and returning a watch to its original state was a fun and rewarding process but also an expensive one.

Good luck!

It is a common dilemna! Your head says trade it or sell but your heart says return to original spec. I have been there and agree you need deep pockets, however found the process a lot of fun but would also agree that knowing what I do now would follow droptopman's advice!!

Thank you to both of you. I will let you know how I go... May just upgrade to a nice 1675 Pepsi they have.

Being sure to research ALL parts are original to the watch this time!

Did a similar thing. My enthusiasm and impulse led me to falling in love with the idea of owning a particular watch. I didn't do enough asking, and ended up buying something with service hands and bezel, not to mention it was probably polished more than necessary. I wore it, and enjoyed it for almost a year. But those glowing hands, and incorrect bezel insert bothered me.

I ended up selling it to fund a better example of the same watch. Perhaps this is something you should consider, it might be more economical than trying to track down correct parts, and then have someone do the replacement of those parts. But, if it's not a huge concern, and doesn't impair enjoyment, just wear it!

+1 great answer

<a href="http://s108.photobucket.com/user/Gnis_2006/media/39A58624-FF3F-42F7-8C03-B409CB148E1C.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n33/Gnis_2006/39A58624-FF3F-42F7-8C03-B409CB148E1C.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 39A58624-FF3F-42F7-8C03-B409CB148E1C.jpg"/></a>

Picture: http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...09CB148E1C.jpg

If you like the watch the way that it is, then that is all that matters. Personally I'm a big fan of lume, so my latest watch of choice is a 5512 with a service dial and hands...period correct? No....it should be a 4-line gilt dial, but that (along with the heavily polished lugs) explains the price....but I love it and it puts a smile on my. Face when I wear it. Isn't that the point of this hobby?


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Update: everyone was exceptionally helpful and generous with their advice.

It looks like I may have located a dial for my 5513.

From your collective experience does this bezel insert look correct fir a 1971 5513?
:cheers:

That insert is post 80's so it's not period correct for a 71'


I blame it on the autoconnect.