A wreck or a diamond in the rough?

This 5513 is at a bricks and mortar auction. I've only seen the images below, though I've spoken to the auction house.

Now, it's listed as a 1964 5513. When I asked why they had listed it as a '64, the answer was that they had checked the serial number against an online chart and that was the year given. I asked if they had noted the date code on the case and they said no.

The actual serial number is is 1725123. Now, that to me makes it an early metres first; dial correct; hands service replacements; crown incorrect; bezel I'm unsure of ... I think it's later. The case looks good to me. I can't be sure from the angles if the glass is a T19.

Obviously we can ignore the bracelet but I'm not sure if the endlinks have a value? (Well, they will but where is it?).

Open to all comments as to whether I'm calling this one right or not?

What kind of a crown is that? Never seen a bezel insert getting worn like that either.

Additional photos ... dial's great ... that's about all I can say. She runs, no service history.

Just for the record, this sold for £7600 + 24% commission (so a shade under £10,000 or approximately $13500).

Makes me seriously wonder what my, all original, one would fetch now.

$13,500 is insane.

Yup ... no bids from the room. Opened asking £7500 with bids from the-saleroom.com having taken it to 7400 already...just two more online bids and, like sex on prom night, it was over before it began.

Wow that's a crazy price! But nothing beats a classic Submariner😀

I was fairly surprised, but not overly so.

That bezel is correct. I had it side by side with mine and it is "right" ... the reason it looks so wrong is that there is damage and a huge discoloration. I don't know that it would need replacing, though. It all depends on the buyer's preference.

The damage to the underside of the lugs was what really put me off.

A service; a new glass; and a bracelet gives you a 5513 with some character. Or, put £3500 into it for service, glass, bezel, bracelet and case repair ... and you have a very nice example. A very expensive example that's not fully original ... but nice.

I haven't noticed many good metres firsts sell of late so I am genuinely guessing where their price point is now.

Rolex prices are crazy, and I'm finished with collecting them. But I still love my
overpolished and beaten up 5513, makes a great beater and still waterproof
after 50 years of abuse👍

Might be yours' twin