Submariner 5513 - the glossy dial version. Let's show 'em!

[springer]

Lately I've become very fond of the later Submariner 5513s with the glossy dials which seem to be appreciating in value lately. I've scored a couple of them the past year and have one in the rotation that I wear quite regularly.

These models are from the same era where the dials have a propensity for corrosion of cracking so it's always nice to find an original example without these issues.

Whether you consider them "vintage" or a "classic" let's see what you have. I'll start this off with one of mine from the very late 1980s with the addition of a maxi domed crystal.

[stevedssd]

That domed crystal is awesome........here is mine an L serial. I agree these are greatly unappreciated, I was looking at a 14060 when I found this for the same price.

[exador]

With the crazy prices of matte dials, it’s inevitable that collectors will gravitate to these next.

[mineral]

Glossy dial 5513 is one of my most favorite too. And glad that it does not have so called spider cracking dial :)




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[rootbeer7]

Great reference

[DLRIDES]

The color of the aged tritium attracted me to this one.




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[swish77]

Really beautiful examples! Love patina on gloss dials!

As noted, tough to find them without the dial issues, but is there still a danger that currently pristine dials could end up with problems in the years ahead? Or if it happened by now, they'll likely be OK?

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by swish77

Really beautiful examples! Love patina on gloss dials!

As noted, tough to find them without the dial issues, but is there still a danger that currently pristine dials could end up with problems in the years ahead? Or if it happened by now, they'll likely be OK?

Anything is possible. I used to own one of these pieces a couple years back that did not crack yet. It was an 84 era. One thing is certain, that dials are under constant pressure. The movement mounting screws that hold pressure from the dial to case keep the movement from coming loose and wiggling back and forth within the watch case, from normal body movements. This could also be a contributing factor to these period dials and the spider/cracking effect. Personally as an extra precaution, I would make sure those two inner mounting screws were not torqued so tight that causes the pressure from dial to case contact. Watchmakers tend to secure these tight, so does factory.



I would loosen them not to the point that the movement would wiggle, but to the point that the dial was not under such pressure. This could help.

UV is a primary factor i'm sure, that makes the dial enamel brittle and prone to cracking under any kind of pressure.

On the flip side, if you currently have one that has started to crack or is cracked on the dial, I would just leave it be. Just some food for thought.

[james_l]

Sharing my '88 5513. The glossy dial and the plexi crystal are a great combo. No signs of spidering on my dial.

[strafer_kid]

From 1989 - full set - though to be honest, it probably does not get the wear it should due to my swing towards the GMT!

[Old Expat Beast]

L3 serial with RSC dial and hands, on a tropic strap for daily use. Got the bracelet, boxes, booklets, calendar card and 1989 brochure, too.

[mineral]

Mid 80s glossy 5513 with creamy patina




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