What would you prefer - old fat font insert or RSC warranty!??

[mid-o-light]

Hi guys.
If you have to choose between a unserviced 5513 with old fat font insert, and the same watch with RSC replaced insert, service paper and 2-year warranty. Both watch listed at same price. Which one do you prefer?

Here is where my question come from; I was searching old forum posts and found a nice 4.4mils 5513 listed in Dec 2009. I made query to seller asking him if the watch had been sold yet. He replied that he still had the watch, and more, he just sent the watch to RSC for fully overhaul couple months ago (costed him about 1000$ shown in receipt, which incl. replaced old insert as well as domed glass) Even better he offered the watch at the same price he listed last year (around $6k if you may ask)

Here is the watch listed last year before serviced. The owner is a trusted member in my local community which held very good reputation.



At first I was like ... "why did you do that??" "why don't you go to independent watch service guys and keep the insert??". I personally have more feeling on original fat font insert with tritium pearl like you guys here, but after rethink I have realized that this offer is pretty good too for a beginner like me to ensure authenticity and usability. So, what would you do if you were me...

[swissautopro]

I would have swapped the inserts out, sent it in to RSC, and had the best of both worlds ... RSC work and warranty with a new insert, and the faded fat font insert. No way would I have just let the fat font go.

[bb3188]

If its like for like, ie similar condition, not over polished, dial in good nick,
too easy........ go the RSC serviced watch.........
a fat font wont set you back nearly as much as a RSC service ( plus you have the added piece of mind that all parts in that watch is genuine and recently serviced)

best of luck

btw, did you check out your other thread ? There is a link kindly provided by Steve (lol-X) for a 5513 for sale ............... methinks that particular seller (on that link) has a gilt 5513 going for around the same money......

best of luck .

[jedly1]

bigger issue ( and huge effect on value) should be the replaced case.

insert is no big deal and easy to source.

[bb3188]

Originally Posted by jedly1

bigger issue ( and huge effect on value) should be the replaced case.

insert is no big deal and easy to source.

............ how do you tell it's a replacement case from the photo Jed ?
The sharp edge of the case ??

[caeden]

4.4 million are replacement serials.

Cheers!

[bb3188]

Originally Posted by caeden

4.4 million are replacement serials.

Cheers!

ahh.... thanks Ben, missed that bit of the script(post)........

[mid-o-light]

Originally Posted by caeden

4.4 million are replacement serials.

Cheers!

Replacement serials? explanation please. I thought 4.4 mils (4407xxx to be exact) is around 1976...

[mid-o-light]

I was informed that major parts replaced were only insert, glass and crown. Others are small movement parts. I can confirmed once I see the paper.

The watch in photo is BEFORE service. I've yet to receive updated one, but expect to be " like new" not "clean and original"...

I still prefer personal deal with local offers rather than take my risk on postal delivery (even slim chance). BTW if I have firm schedule to visit Florida or San Francisco, I may check those offers again.

[jedly1]

If it was 4.4 mil when he advertised it a year ago, then it was replaced long before this mire recent service ( takes a good 25-30% off value)

[mike]

Originally Posted by jedly1

If it was 4.4 mil when he advertised it a year ago, then it was replaced long before this mire recent service ( takes a good 25-30% off value)

[mid-o-light]

So it's serious right? I should ask for price-cut 25%-30% or should I call it off?

Frankly speaking, I'm not a serious collector, but I don't want to fell into over-value watch either. I just love vintage looks of 5513 and my budget is flexible depend on my pleasure. I was often told that good deal never last long, but now I understand why you guys keep telling me to slow down :)

You guys are the best!! More queries soon to come!!

[swissautopro]

If it were me, I would look for another. They are not that difficult to find.

[sakuraba]

I'd pass on a re-case as well.

Not an issue for others, but I'd rather have a vintage with no issues. Would be easier to flip down the road IMHO.

Happy Hunting!

[Some Pair]

Originally Posted by mid-o-light

So it's serious right? I should ask for price-cut 25%-30% or should I call it off?

Frankly speaking, I'm not a serious collector, but I don't want to fell into over-value watch either. I just love vintage looks of 5513 and my budget is flexible depend on my pleasure. I was often told that good deal never last long, but now I understand why you guys keep telling me to slow down :)

You guys are the best!! More queries soon to come!!

Yes take your time.
Once you buy what you like, remember that it will also be a situation where you can wear your money.
If you need to turn it over (re sell it) for any reason, you would rather have the originality, appreciation and specialty that the right piece will bring you.

[Some Pair]

Here's some additional info on some common and uncommon 5513 types.

http://doubleredseadweller.com/5513maxi.htm

[gerard88t]

Originally Posted by Some Pair

Here's some additional info on some common and uncommon 5513 types.

http://doubleredseadweller.com/5513maxi.htm

I've viewed this page several times since I got my 5513 from Steve M and I'm becoming more believing that my 1977 5513 has the exact same dial configuration as the 5517 shown. The only difference I see is mine lacks the circle T and sword hands. All else is a mirror appearance. Could this mean I have a last run of the first type I dials made for civilian markets? Here's a picture to compare (courtesy of me affording the piece off Steve )

[gerard88t]

^ nevermind my excitement. I read the darn picture decriptions backwards. I just have a simple "previous dial"

[stevemulholland3]

Just for the record,replacement cases have been found with 4.3 million serials as well..so I would say from 4.3 to 4.9
But in either way it makes a big difference in resale value..as many don't want a service case and you will definitely loose money when it comes time to sell.

[Michael M.]

Personally, I would probably go for the 5513 with the RSC service warranty, because it gaurantees that it is all original Rolex

[rfknauss]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

Personally, I would probably go for the 5513 with the RSC service warranty, because it gaurantees that it is all original Rolex

I agree.

[jdc]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

Personally, I would probably go for the 5513 with the RSC service warranty, because it gaurantees that it is all original Rolex

true but Rolex can change a lot of parts, the case in this instance, which will have an effect on the value and desirability to people who want to buy vintage - that needs to be factored in when considering real value of the watch on open market

[DadsWatch72]

Fat or slim number insert, service or original case........it's still a very nice ft. first.

[bb3188]

Originally Posted by DadsWatch72

Fat or slim number insert, service or original case........it's still a very nice ft. first.

......fair call but not for that money.......... a reduction in the purchase price to reflect the replacement case is neeeded......

my2 cs

[DadsWatch72]

I guess I don't understand what all the fuss is over a service replacement case. I look at all service replacement parts like this...........If its good enough for Rolex standards, then it should be good enough for me (IMO). I mean the case (parts) is/are still genuine Rolex parts.

[stevemulholland3]

Originally Posted by DadsWatch72

I guess I don't understand what all the fuss is over a service replacement case. I look at all service replacement parts like this...........If its good enough for Rolex standards, then it should be good enough for me (IMO). I mean the case (parts) is/are still genuine Rolex parts.

Really...think long and hard about what you are saying here..
would you want a model T that was made during their hayday and was loved and driven by possibly hundreds of different people..or one that was made by a bunch of re-released new Ford parts (if they did this that is)..
and if you say you would want the new re-release version then you shouldnt even own a vintage watch..

[DadsWatch72]

Originally Posted by stevemulholland3

Really...think long and hard about what you are saying here..
would you want a model T that was made during their hayday and was loved and driven by possibly hundreds of different people..or one that was made by a bunch of re-released new Ford parts (if they did this that is)..
and if you say you would want the new re-release version then you shouldnt even own a vintage watch..

If it was a Ford Mustang bumper that they were putting on the Model T....then no. But if it was a brand new fender made to exactly the old specifications that the original fender was made except this new one isn't full of rust and holes..........then yes. By the way, I love those old Model T's. I think ford should " re-release the Model T with a new modern and extremely small and effecient motor. I would definately buy one to putt around town in.

[Some Pair]

Originally Posted by DadsWatch72

If it was a Ford Mustang bumper that they were putting on the Model T....then no. But if it was a brand new fender made to exactly the old specifications that the original fender was made except this new one isn't full of rust and holes..........then yes. By the way, I love those old Model T's. I think ford should " re-release the Model T with a new modern and extremely small and effecient motor. I would definately buy one to putt around town in.

....they're only original once, otherwise they may be nice, but not as valuable as the few that are Original's.
Fact

But then I'm speaking of an Auto. Could a Vintage Classic Rolex be thought of in the same fashion?

[bimmer]

btw, just a question on rolex servicing. Is it possible to specifically request them not to change any or certain parts during the service? Or just ask them to do specific things like just service the movement...etc.?

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by bimmer

btw, just a question on rolex servicing. Is it possible to specifically request them not to change any or certain parts during the service? Or just ask them to do specific things like just service the movement...etc.?

The RSC will give you a list of things that must be done, and a list of things they recommend you have done (ie polishing, new bezel insert, etc) which you have the option of turning down.