5513 serif beauty

[sleepyman]

Hi Guys,

Chanced upon this 5513 looker with a serif dial.

1 question tho..
Literature put the 5513 serif dial from 1970 - 1974 (up to # 4 mil)
This baby has a case of 5.2mil (1977?)
possible?

[jdog111578]

I dont believe the dial is original to the case. Also, the mismatched patina on the hands to the dial would bug me.

[GeoGio Greece]

Originally Posted by jdog111578

I dont believe the dial is original to the case. Also, the mismatched patina on the hands to the dial would bug me.

...also the hands are a bit oxidized, which may mean presence of humidity at some time which is not shown on the dial / dots.

[ADINVA]

Originally Posted by GeoGio Greece

...also the hands are a bit oxidized, which may mean presence of humidity at some time which is not shown on the dial / dots.

Hi George,

May I ask what are the marks or traces of presence of humidity on the hour dots? I have seen dark brown spots on those hour dots. Are those dark spots evidence of humidity? If so, does that mean those dots would not develop patina further?

Thanks and have a great weekend.

[sleepyman]

Hi guys,

thanks for the feedback and advise.

I did another search for 5.2mil serif dial and there are full box sets selling/sold.

It could be possible that serif dials do happen in this serial range.. hmm..

Any more advise is appreciated!

[GeoGio Greece]

Originally Posted by ADINVA

Hi George,

May I ask what are the marks or traces of presence of humidity on the hour dots? I have seen dark brown spots on those hour dots. Are those dark spots evidence of humidity? If so, does that mean those dots would not develop patina further?

Thanks and have a great weekend.

...humidity in the watch most of the times makes the dial to flake or crack and the material on the hour dots becomes more dark and porous and may be crack or fall off. This dial does not show as such, which may mean a changed dial.

To my knowledge, early hands where not white gold, but some sort of brass, so they were affected by humidity easily.

The only way to make sure is to open the case and see inside, not the movement itself but the sides of the case and where the "o"-ring seats. Even the best service, cannot eliminate all traces if water or even just condensation got in and was not taken care immediately.

The above is my personal experience, after many years of involvement and having seen many watches. Some other people may have different opinion, which I respect.

This is how a movement becomes if not taken care at once.





I have seen many watches in different stages of rust, and I have also experience of my own watches when accidents happened.

This is why WE AVOID water, either this is a shower, pool or the ocean, because.......

And I was the first to wear a watch during water ski, deep dives, in the shower, in the pool, in bed,....everywhere, until I learned my lesson the hard way

[ADINVA]

George,

Thank you very much for taking the trouble to explain. This is extremely helpful and gave a lot of insights.

I totally agree with you, although many may disagree, that it pays to be safe. I keep my vintage 10feet away from water except when washing my hands. I rather be cautious than to be sorry.

[Michael M.]

From my experience 5.2mil is an acceptable serial for a serif dial. Throughout the years I have purchased several original owner 5.2mil 5513's with serif dials.

[sleepyman]

Hi George,

Thanks for your advise. Will keep my watches far away from seawater!

Originally Posted by Michael M.

From my experience 5.2mil is an acceptable serial for a serif dial. Throughout the years I have purchased several original owner 5.2mil 5513's with serif dials.

Hi Michael, thanks for the affirmation. I understand now that there could be overlap in production dates and type of dials used.