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Dieguchi · 9 February 2018, 01:48 PM

Hello, I'm thinking of acquiring a vintage 5513. Its case is a service replacement because the original case wouldn't seal. But the new case is stamped L439XXX. From what I've been reading, that is an unusual serial for a service case to have. Any thoughts? And is it just me or is the serial number crooked?

Do the hands look original?

Photos below

GLADIATOR · 10 February 2018, 10:16 AM

I understood a "service" case started '44'?

In my opinion the lume hands do not match the lume on the dial, but to me the dial lume looks modern.
L = 98-2000 that would fit in with the Swiss T < 25

I would wait for others to add their comments
Adam

Abdullah71601 · 10 February 2018, 10:25 AM

You might try posting in the vintage forum. Most of the experts for this watch will be there.

occb2 · 11 February 2018, 05:38 AM

Gladiator is 100% correct. Rolex replacement cases is 44 marked. I have also seen inside back markings stating replacement.

Best thing is verifying the watch through Rolex.

Easy. Get a 3rd party to hold the money. Have him send watch take it to Rolex service center and pay $150 dollars. They will verify or deny. Then authorize release of funds or return watch.

occb2 · 11 February 2018, 05:42 AM

One last thing. There are a lot of companies that make replacement cases. Startime is one. So the word replacement case is big. Rolex replaces a case it is in their system and it will follow that watch forever on service history.

But if the seller is saying that its a replacement case, it could be a fake copy case from a company that is making a replacement case for at 5513. There are a lot out there. If you dont believe me, type Rolex replacement case and you will see the companies that do it. They even commit a fraud and will put what ever serial number in it and mark it as a Rolex. This is not REAL. It is a replacement case but not one made by Rolex. I am not saying that this is what is up with this watch. But just want to bring it too your attention.

freefly · 11 February 2018, 10:18 AM

The only way I'd even remotely consider a watch with a replacement case (especially on anything vintage) would be if it was done via service at an RSC, and accompanied by the (verifiable) service paperwork/warranty card showing the replacement case on the service invoice, along with the "new" serial number. Even then, it would have to be priced aggressively enough to compensate for the substantial valuation hit that a re-cased vintage watch takes. YMMV...

Dieguchi · 20 February 2018, 03:52 PM

Thanks everyone for the solid advice! I won't be purchasing it because it's not offered with the correct paperwork and the serial number on the replacement case is suspicious.

10 February 2018, 10:16 AM	#2
GLADIATOR "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Adam Location: Costa Blanca, Watch: YMII,GMTII,DAYTONA Posts: 5,288	I understood a "service" case started '44'? In my opinion the lume hands do not match the lume on the dial, but to me the dial lume looks modern. L = 98-2000 that would fit in with the Swiss T < 25 I would wait for others to add their comments Adam __________________ The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. Winston Churchill "We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done."

10 February 2018, 10:25 AM	#3
Abdullah71601 Banned Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Calumet Harbor Watch: ing da Bears Posts: 13,568	You might try posting in the vintage forum. Most of the experts for this watch will be there.

11 February 2018, 05:38 AM	#4
occb2 Banned Join Date: Jan 2015 Real Name: Robert Location: New York Watch: Submariner 16610 Posts: 321	Gladiator is 100% correct. Rolex replacement cases is 44 marked. I have also seen inside back markings stating replacement. Best thing is verifying the watch through Rolex. Easy. Get a 3rd party to hold the money. Have him send watch take it to Rolex service center and pay $150 dollars. They will verify or deny. Then authorize release of funds or return watch.

11 February 2018, 05:42 AM	#5
occb2 Banned Join Date: Jan 2015 Real Name: Robert Location: New York Watch: Submariner 16610 Posts: 321	One last thing. There are a lot of companies that make replacement cases. Startime is one. So the word replacement case is big. Rolex replaces a case it is in their system and it will follow that watch forever on service history. But if the seller is saying that its a replacement case, it could be a fake copy case from a company that is making a replacement case for at 5513. There are a lot out there. If you dont believe me, type Rolex replacement case and you will see the companies that do it. They even commit a fraud and will put what ever serial number in it and mark it as a Rolex. This is not REAL. It is a replacement case but not one made by Rolex. I am not saying that this is what is up with this watch. But just want to bring it too your attention.

11 February 2018, 10:18 AM	#6
freefly "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Eric Location: AZ Watch: 4&5-digit Sub/GMTs Posts: 1,974	The only way I'd even remotely consider a watch with a replacement case (especially on anything vintage) would be if it was done via service at an RSC, and accompanied by the (verifiable) service paperwork/warranty card showing the replacement case on the service invoice, along with the "new" serial number. Even then, it would have to be priced aggressively enough to compensate for the substantial valuation hit that a re-cased vintage watch takes. YMMV...

20 February 2018, 03:52 PM	#7
Dieguchi "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Real Name: Diego Location: Orange County, CA Watch: 88' Rolex Sub 5513 Posts: 15	Thanks everyone for the solid advice! I won't be purchasing it because it's not offered with the correct paperwork and the serial number on the replacement case is suspicious.

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