Advice on 5513 and how to care for it

[Davetona]

Hi All,

My friend has recently been given his father's old Rolex. He asked for some info on what he had and what parts would be original to the watch.






From the info, my friend gave me the watch is a 5513 and the serial starts 178 and is 7 digits long.

I went onto this 5513 site and to my untrained eye, it seems to indicate this watch has the original dial and insert from when it was purchased. Could anyone help me confirm that?

I know the strap is a horrendous addition and not original. Would you also have any advice I could pass on about caring for the watch and any work that should be done?

Apologies for the terrible photos but that is all he has shared.

[Dan S]

Nice meters-first dial with long-5 insert. The case also looks quite good. Looks all original at first glance (except for the bracelet) although the damaged crystal does make it hard to get a good look at the dial, so I am assuming that the apparent flaws on the dial and lume are really due to the crystal. The crystal also seems to be distorting the edge of the dial in some of the photos, so it might be a replacement, but it's in pretty bad shape so it's hard to be sure. The crystal seems to have a least one chip and a major scuff, so I'm not 100% certain it can be salvaged.

[214270Explorer]

Is that CORROSION inside around the rehaut? It appears to be internal and not external on the crystal? I cannot really tell.

If it is internal . . . NOT a good sign.

[1William]

Good looking watch. I do not know a lot about vintage pieces but that appears to be a nice one.

[Rebel]

Stunning watch. I trust your friend will be able to care for it while retaining the originality of this nice example.

[Davetona]

Originally Posted by 214270Explorer

Is that CORROSION inside around the rehaut? It appears to be internal and not external on the crystal? I cannot really tell.

If it is internal . . . NOT a good sign.

You are correct that it is inside on the rehaut it's self. some of the corrosion has fallen off onto the dial. He has it in a tupperware box with some silica gel in with it.

[Kingface66]

How in the world did this happen? They look like uniformly, almost squared-off, pieces cut out from the rehaut.

[Davetona]

Another image

I just had a word with him and told him the corrosion is worrying him. We have a local Rolex accredited service centre. A shop called Robert Martin. He is going to take it there to be advised on it's condition and what is urgent

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

How in the world did this happen? They look like uniformly, almost squared-off, pieces cut out from the rehaut.

Worn out crystal? Looks different depending on angle.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

How in the world did this happen? They look like uniformly, almost squared-off, pieces cut out from the rehaut.

I think they are reflections or shadows. Look at all the photos and the appear, disappear, and move around.

[Davetona]

He phoned the local watch repairers and they said they can't look at it because they are nt a level 4 centre? Can anyone recommend some in the UK close to Hampshire who could take a look?

Reading the above I am guessing it will need a new crystal, the rust clearing off and a movement service. Everything else left alone?

[77T]

You may have a trip to London RSC in your future. If you can find true master watchmaker you might have more control over the restoration. But then parts will become the Achilles heel.

Do you actually see bits of the rehaut missing as some have noted? Or just optical reflections mimicking that?


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[watchlovr]

As you are in Portsmouth, I suggest contacting Steven Hale watch restoration in London.
He works on vintage Rolex on a daily basis.
I and many other trust him with military 5513, yours should be fine with him.
What is required will depend on what he finds when it is opened.
As all will tell you on here, keep as original as possible.