Advice on 5513 submariner meters first vintage

[tvinnj]

next week Im looking at a vintage 5513 meters first submariner, circa 1968. In photo, dial and hands look in very good condition with nice creamy patina. Pearl doesnt have same color (lighter)

100% original except replaced crystal. Non-original, but period-correct bracelet. (i would put it on a leather strap anyway). Has been serviced twice; once recently. For sale by private owner; purchased from TRF green-listed seller a year ago, or so, seller says.

No papers. Seller says he wont ("cant") open case back for inspection (because hes not a watchmaker or jeweler), but will give me 14 days to have authenticated and return in same condition if unsatisfied.

Mondani guide says in "very good" condition value is $8,000 to $10,000. Asking price is $9,000 and might be a small amount of wiggle room. Similar 5513's i looked at went from $5500 to $7000 and had conspicuous defects - this one looks much nicer in photo.

questions:

How to determine if it qualifies for "very good" condition?

Good or bad idea to pay cash when seller says they might have wiggle room on price for cash?

What impact does non-original crystal have on the value?

During the 2 services there "may have been" wheel or screw that needed replacing during "routine" service, but seller claims movement is original. (i think its caliber 1520)

Any advice when i view/ inspect the watch?

Any advice for negotiating price?

Any advice on me authenticating? - Note; im from NYC area but will be viewing watch in so cal.

Thank you!

[high5]

before you buy, take some pictures and show us first.

[tvinnj]

Thanks - here's a pic i was shown by the seller (i didn't take this photo - I will see in person next week)

[high5]

Hard to tell from your picture. In general, you need to find out if the watch is still running and the watch is NOT a fake. And you want the dial to be flawless, no water mark, no scratches, look for the minute markers, you may see scratches there. You also want the watch case to be "thick", i.e. as little polish as possible, etc. Take many photos, front, back, side and post it here before you buy. There are many vintage shops in NYC, why not start there?

[Nobody.Move]

Price seems high, but perhaps not if everything checks out, i.e. is in original condition. Additional info + thorough photo documentation will help. Pics need to be sharp; the one posted makes the case and bracelet appear overly polished.