5513 case pitting, HELP!

[Jackie Daytona]

Congrats! Look forwards to seeing how it all comes out. I think it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Post some pics

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by TheManny

Thank you all for the opinions and great answers. I decided to pull the trigger on this one, and get it. Got it for a fair price in my own opinion, with a factor that it has the original papers (I know some people don’t find it necessary for an older watch like this). Now I’ll just have to find the source for laser welding and restoration work. I am located in Northern Europe, so would prefer a workshop in EU area too, but it isn’t a must. I have heard that Rolliworks, Michael Young and Phillip does this kind of work, but all of them are far away from me. I assume also that the movement will need an full overhaul too, so an watchmaker that can do both and is an true professional in this area is needed! So please, if you know some place or someone, inform me! Thanks to all!

Congrats on the purchase!

There are some EU members on this forum who may be able to help, but you might get more attention by posting a standalone thread for this noting this in the title.

Bas (not sure how often he is on these days) may also have a reference for you.

If you are able to document the restoration process in pics, we would all love to see the transformation.

[Filipão]

OP, you did well, buying this 5513 at a fair price.

Don't be scared or put off by it and don't rush to get it "fixed".

Have it serviced, then pressure test it, you'll be surprised.

On of my SD's has seen its fair share of salt water, has pitted and is very much ok.

[TheManny]

Thank you! I will definitely post some pics, when I’ve received the watch. Also definitely not in a hurry to get it restored, will wait to find the right shop and person to do the job.

It’s a good idea to socument the restoration process from start to finish. Will keep you guys updated!

[omar-rye]

Check out Kamil Dunkowski of Lapinist. He’s in Poland. He works mostly on Seiko’s but his work is nothing short of amazing

https://www.instagram.com/lapinist_w...oration/?hl=en

[minimalista]

Nice Watch!

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Dontknow

Going against the grain here but if the price is cheap I would go for it.

It’s been well worn and loved for a while, and as with everything through the years eventually it will need some help and attention. If you like the watch and it’s cheap buy it, put in the work at LAWW or Rolliworks to do a case restoration so it all looks and seals properly and enjoy.

Good 5513s are always getting rarer and if you can save one and enjoy if for many years do it. No reason to just call what would otherwise be a nice vintage watch scrap as long as something can be done about it in a fiscally responsible manner. They won’t all be mint forever, and if they are they weren’t enjoyed as they should have been.

They were meant to be worn and it’s not the worst thing to put in some work on it to save one I think.

Again that being all based on the price. Essentially as long as the seller is aware it’s not a great example it should be worth it I think. Plus you’ll have the satisfaction of having saved another example.

This ✓ all about price £750-1000 would entirely fix it and not be spotted by 98% of 'fasdtidious collectors' buy on the overall package and dial condition my advice

[joli160]

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

This ✓ all about price £750-1000 would entirely fix it and not be spotted by 98% of 'fasdtidious collectors' buy on the overall package and dial condition my advice

I wonder who you have in mind working that cheap ?

It requires quite some expensive equipment and extensive training.
Doing it properly you need to machine it first, than weld and machine it back to specs. Unless shortcuts are taken in the process 750-1000 seems like a bargain to me.
Wonder which company you have in mind ?

[TuRo]

SHWR in UK are well up to the job, at that circa that budget.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by TheManny

Thank you all for the opinions and great answers. I decided to pull the trigger on this one, and get it. Got it for a fair price in my own opinion, with a factor that it has the original papers (I know some people don’t find it necessary for an older watch like this)...

Congrats!

A consideration: How much do you really need to wear it in water? Even though it might not pass a deep-submersion pressure test, it should be fine for everyday wear. I wouldn't spend thousands on making it fully waterproof just for the sake of it.

I'd just wear and enjoy, and get a Casio for the pool. Or a Tudor Black Bay if funds permit.

[alwayshere]

not sure what the fuss is about from the others but i've seen worse pitting.

Glad you pulled the trigger on it. Share pics once watch in hands.

[XavierM]

You can try il_menzerna in Italy. (Instagram)
I have seen a before/after topic on a French forum about a gilt 1675 restoration.
Result was very nice !

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

not sure what the fuss is about from the others but i've seen worse pitting.

No fuss at all, please read #33 + #40 above!

OP should test it 1st...

[1675-David]

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

SHWR in UK are well up to the job, at that circa that budget.

I hear what you are saying Paul but, I for one won’t be sending anything more than Christmas cards to the UK after Brexit has made sending anything else too much of a gamble.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

I hear what you are saying Paul but, I for one won’t be sending anything more than Christmas cards to the UK after Brexit has made sending anything else too much of a gamble.

Agreed.

I am so sorry I have lost all of my UK business connections due to Brexit.

[1675-David]

Manny, I sent you a PM with a couple of useful contacts, the Lapinist as mentioned above won’t do Rolex and Il Menzerna is not an outfit I would use again.

[TheManny]

Thanks again, for all the messages and PM’s you guys have sent. Got a couple of nice looking examples of laser welding businesses here in EU. I’ll contact them and see what will be the outcome.

[TheManny]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

Manny, I sent you a PM with a couple of useful contacts, the Lapinist as mentioned above won’t do Rolex and Il Menzerna is not an outfit I would use again.

1675-David I sent you an PM, hope to hear from you soon.

[Dan S]

I have doubts about the ability of laser welding to do robust repairs on pitted/porous surfaces. I'm sure they can make it look cosmetically better, but I wouldn't count on it lasting indefinitely, or substantially changing the water resistance. Overall, I wouldn't bother.