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Tri-National-Man · 9 September 2011, 06:35 AM

Hi folks, I recently acquired this 1970's 5513 in slightly beat up condition with faded bezel insert, scratched crystal, dinged crown etc.
I want to have it serviced (by a reputable Rolex trained watchmaker not Rolex) and was seeking advice on whether or not to replace parts like insert and crystal (making sure original parts are kept).. What are you folks thoughts on what I should do please....

GeoGio Greece · 9 September 2011, 06:44 AM

Congrats ! The watch is in a quite bad condition outside and may be has problems inside as well. Does it work ?

More experienced mambers will advice on technicians with proven work, I would ask if you want to have it as a daily beater or just store it. This will determine what you need to do !

Tri-National-Man · 9 September 2011, 06:54 AM

This watch is running perfectly, keeping excellent time. It will be worn in rotation with my other watches. Is it worth sourcing original parts for it now, as these will be even more difficult to find and will be much more expensive in the future..??

GeoGio Greece · 9 September 2011, 07:02 AM

Are you in England ? Bob is in the states.

I have in Athens the best technician, but its a bit far !

You have to open it, check and have some parts changed if needed. The outside and insert, its your decison if you keep as it is, or polish.

Whatever you do, ask for the crystal and the visible parts and keep them. Here is mine, a 1983 5513.

Tri-National-Man · 9 September 2011, 07:16 AM

Thanks for your advice and a nice pair of Subs you have there! these are my two

GeoGio Greece · 9 September 2011, 07:41 AM

Congrats ! Wishing you the best !

gwalker · 9 September 2011, 09:11 AM

I would send to RSC and IMO I would replace the bad parts. I mean I understand that Rolex owners are picky but would you restore a 1967 Corvette and leave a scratched up hood, cracked windshield, or busted rims on it?

tuonor · 9 September 2011, 01:45 PM

Personally, I'd leave the bezel insert intact and consider changing the crown/tube and worn internals. I'm not a watchmaker but I imagine a blow like that to the crown will (eventually) impact the ability of the parts to seat/seal properly.

That insert on the other hand is beautiful...the service parts look different and don't really mesh with a patina'd case well. I'd take that beauty mark over a scratched up example any day.

onryo · 9 September 2011, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeoGio Greece

Congrats ! The watch is in a quite bad condition outside and may be has problems inside as well. Does it work ?

More experienced mambers will advice on technicians with proven work, I would ask if you want to have it as a daily beater or just store it. This will determine what you need to do !

I wouldn't say 'bad' condition. That crown can be easily replaced and it will not affect the value. It may be a little banged up, but the lugs look fat and there are some remnants of chamfers. Just don't try to completely polish out those dings. Get it serviced and the case cleaned up and you'll have an even nicer piece. Good luck!

SWIMPRUF · 10 September 2011, 01:14 AM

I'd say a movement service, new crystal, new crown, polish the CG's, and you're done.

Get it to Bob Ridley.

dddrees · 10 September 2011, 01:46 AM

You might be able to take the scratches out of your crystal with some Polywatch. If you replace the bezel insert look for one from the same time period fat font and fade like the one you currently have. I would go ahead and replace the crown.

subed · 12 September 2011, 02:43 AM

Most rolex dealers will polish the crystal for free, however RSC can do a good job cleaning the whole watch up. I wear my sub everyday and beat it up. Every five i send it in for service and it comes back like new. Had it 20 years.

9 September 2011, 06:44 AM	#2
GeoGio Greece "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: George Location: Athens, Greece Watch: es --> A lot ! Posts: 2,327	Congrats ! The watch is in a quite bad condition outside and may be has problems inside as well. Does it work ? More experienced mambers will advice on technicians with proven work, I would ask if you want to have it as a daily beater or just store it. This will determine what you need to do ! __________________ Rolex owner since 1971. 5513 and 16700 the loved ones. DJ WG Jubilee 16170 for wife - U series Oyster Perpetual WG 177234 for daughter V-series

9 September 2011, 07:02 AM	#4
GeoGio Greece "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: George Location: Athens, Greece Watch: es --> A lot ! Posts: 2,327	Are you in England ? Bob is in the states. I have in Athens the best technician, but its a bit far ! You have to open it, check and have some parts changed if needed. The outside and insert, its your decison if you keep as it is, or polish. Whatever you do, ask for the crystal and the visible parts and keep them. Here is mine, a 1983 5513. __________________ Rolex owner since 1971. 5513 and 16700 the loved ones. DJ WG Jubilee 16170 for wife - U series Oyster Perpetual WG 177234 for daughter V-series

9 September 2011, 07:41 AM	#6
GeoGio Greece "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: George Location: Athens, Greece Watch: es --> A lot ! Posts: 2,327	Congrats ! Wishing you the best ! __________________ Rolex owner since 1971. 5513 and 16700 the loved ones. DJ WG Jubilee 16170 for wife - U series Oyster Perpetual WG 177234 for daughter V-series

10 September 2011, 01:14 AM	#10
SWIMPRUF "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: * Posts: 2,323	I'd say a movement service, new crystal, new crown, polish the CG's, and you're done. Get it to Bob Ridley. __________________ Member# 52,675 Est. 3/2011

10 September 2011, 01:46 AM	#11
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	You might be able to take the scratches out of your crystal with some Polywatch. If you replace the bezel insert look for one from the same time period fat font and fade like the one you currently have. I would go ahead and replace the crown. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

9 September 2011, 06:54 AM	#3
Tri-National-Man "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Shaun Location: Devonshire Watch: SubND/D/LV Posts: 651	This watch is running perfectly, keeping excellent time. It will be worn in rotation with my other watches. Is it worth sourcing original parts for it now, as these will be even more difficult to find and will be much more expensive in the future..??

9 September 2011, 09:11 AM	#7
gwalker "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Gunter Location: AL/NJ Watch: DSSD; 116610LN Posts: 5,509	I would send to RSC and IMO I would replace the bad parts. I mean I understand that Rolex owners are picky but would you restore a 1967 Corvette and leave a scratched up hood, cracked windshield, or busted rims on it?

9 September 2011, 01:45 PM	#8
tuonor "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cali Posts: 152	Personally, I'd leave the bezel insert intact and consider changing the crown/tube and worn internals. I'm not a watchmaker but I imagine a blow like that to the crown will (eventually) impact the ability of the parts to seat/seal properly. That insert on the other hand is beautiful...the service parts look different and don't really mesh with a patina'd case well. I'd take that beauty mark over a scratched up example any day.

12 September 2011, 02:43 AM	#12
subed "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: new jersey Posts: 8	Most rolex dealers will polish the crystal for free, however RSC can do a good job cleaning the whole watch up. I wear my sub everyday and beat it up. Every five i send it in for service and it comes back like new. Had it 20 years.

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