5513 Project Watch

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Pure_class

Yeah, most case backs in good shape are asking $2500-$3000. Midcase I would imagine is probably close to double depending on condition. Other issue is finding a case that isn't pitted or dinged to where it negatively effects water resistance.

Blimey, prices in US are largesse - that's $9000 for a midcase and caseback you are suggesting - I paid just under that £8450 for a nice 1987 5513 a month ago for a pal ....was lovely with good chamfered case and it's original caseback, dial, hands, plexi, crown and 93150 and e/l's !

[Juhuatai]

You can get a full 5513 for 10k with prices these days. Just search watchrecon. No one is paying 3k for a caseback.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by Juhuatai

No one is paying 3k for a caseback.

^ ^ ^ ^ This

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Pure_class

Am I wasting my time?

With all due respect, there are probably better uses for your time. There are no shortcuts in vintage Rolex.

[hutch300]

Time isn't wasted if you are having fun. With these things the finished product is cool but how you got there is the fun.

[one80]

Originally Posted by hutch300

Time isn't wasted if you are having fun. With these things the finished product is cool but how you got there is the fun.

Agreed.

I get there are many purist who would be sharpening their pitch forks at the thought of an aftermarket case (and I do appreciate the concept of a 100% original, matching papers, full set collectors grade piece), but if someone has gone to the effort of putting together a project/franken watch with almost all genuine parts, and isn’t trying to deceive someone in a sale, then I think it’s fine.

Maybe even go with the aftermarket case now, and keep your eye out for a gen one down the track? That way you can get enjoyment out of it along the way.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by one80

I get there are many purist who would be sharpening their pitch forks at the thought of an aftermarket case (and I do appreciate the concept of a 100% original, matching papers, full set collectors grade piece)

The OP asked for opinions and virtually every response simply indicated that other members would not personally enjoy having a watch with a fake case. I don't see anyone attacking the OP or telling him that he should only own a fully original collector set with papers. Express your own feelings about the project, but there's no need to exaggerate or falsely characterize other responses.

[one80]

Originally Posted by Dan S

The OP asked for opinions and virtually every response simply indicated that other members would not personally enjoy having a watch with a fake case. I don't see anyone attacking the OP or telling him that he should only own a fully original collector set with papers. Express your own feelings about the project, but there's no need to exaggerate or falsely characterize other responses.

Please re-read my post - I didn’t say anyone was attacking him.

My point was that there will always be “purists” that won’t accept anything outside of a 100% original piece.
As I said, I have no issue with it as long as it’s not being sold as something it’s not.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by one80

Please re-read my post - I didn’t say anyone was attacking him.

My point was that there will always be “purists” that won’t accept anything outside of a 100% original piece.
As I said, I have no issue with it as long as it’s not being sold as something it’s not.

I'm quite capable of reading, so don't try to gaslight me. You used the phrase "sharpening their pitchforks", so it's pretty clear that you are talking about attacking, and you also made a silly straw man argument about original papers, etc., which nobody mentioned. Maybe just focus on giving your own opinion and less on criticizing those of others.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I'm quite capable of reading, so don't try to gaslight me. You used the phrase "sharpening their pitchforks", so it's pretty clear that you are talking about attacking, and you also made a silly straw man argument about original papers, etc., which nobody mentioned. Maybe just focus on giving your own opinion and less on criticizing those of others.

I dunno, Dan, the pitchfork phrase seemed nothing more than hyperbole. I regarded it as less than an attack and more about highlighting the differences between purists and those with looser conceits about authenticity of watches.

[alwayshere]

Tend to agree with King... you might have over-reacted on that response, Dan.

[Nickn]

Purists?
A watch with a fake case is a fake watch nothing to do with being a purist
Save up and buy a genuine 5513

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by Nickn

Purists?
A watch with a fake case is a fake watch nothing to do with being a purist
Save up and buy a genuine 5513

This. It is a Rolex or it is not a Rolex. A purist is arguing over original installed bits. This is not original installed bits we are debating.

If an "aftermarket case" is being used with real parts to display as an authentic Rolex, it is not authentic. Big difference between case/movement/dial and a crystal or insert.

[Nickn]

I don’t believe a Rolex with a fake case is a Rolex
I don’t think one has to be a purist to believe this

[Pure_class]

Update* - Have since sold the aftermarket case. Going to see how difficult it is to find a genuine 5513 case, even if it needs restoration. I do appreciate all of the feedback and I will say I have not felt attacked. I just needed the feedback because as many have said with a fake/aftermarket case it just wont really be a Rolex or feel like one even if all of the other components I have are genuine, and this is how I was feeling but needed to get some perspective.

[TuRo]

✓

[Johny]

Originally Posted by Pure_class

Update* - Have since sold the aftermarket case. Going to see how difficult it is to find a genuine 5513 case, even if it needs restoration. I do appreciate all of the feedback and I will say I have not felt attacked. I just needed the feedback because as many have said with a fake/aftermarket case it just wont really be a Rolex or feel like one even if all of the other components I have are genuine, and this is how I was feeling but needed to get some perspective.

Hi op.

Perhaps buy a damaged genuine case and use it to obtain a genuine replacement case from Rolex. That way it would all be genuine Rolex with an as new case. win win.

[Pure_class]

Originally Posted by Johny

Hi op.

Perhaps buy a damaged genuine case and use it to obtain a genuine replacement case from Rolex. That way it would all be genuine Rolex with an as new case. win win.

I have thought about that also. Could send in and pay for a new one...

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by Pure_class

I have thought about that also. Could send in and pay for a new one...

Glad you're here incognito, I'm a RISA (Rolex Intelligence Secret Agent)

[Johny]

Originally Posted by Pure_class

I have thought about that also. Could send in and pay for a new one...

It would look great with a new case and it would give you time to look for a really good original case if you still wanted one.

[TuRo]

Slight warning on this 'scheme' ..RSC I believe will only take a fully assembled watch (with any car crash/out the window type damage), with 'legitimate looking' damage - they won't do a swap on a completely unassembled case. Make matters worse they might insist on putting servicing parts on the rest of it :-(

[Dom9]

Saw this buckled case project and was reminded of this thread!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386848264950

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by Dom9

Saw this buckled case project and was reminded of this thread!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386848264950

Might need to find a good panel beater for this one.