hey guys,

Im having a great debate on what my next watch is, ive had both before and miss certain qualities about each. But im torn on what the better watch to have is. With money aside, originality intact and in similar condition, what would be the better watch to have if you could only have one and why? I want a chronograph but also want a watch that i can wear in the water. Its a toss up, actually need some help on this, maybe anyone who has owned both at the same time could give me some insight.

Thanks,

 

Well, the last two watches I bought were a near perfect 145.012 and 5513...I have to say that the 5513 does it for me, but by a narrow margin.

 

Two diabolically different watches to say the least. Both are tool watches and serve their purpose quite well. The 5513 had a very long and distinguished production run into the 1980's. I'm assuming you are referring to 60's reference.

If water resistance is important to you, then your decision is quite simple, go for the 5513 which is an incrediblely simple but gorgeous watch. I own a 5512 and numerous Speedmasters, the 5512 puts a smile on my face every time on strap it in my wrist.

Best of luck.

 

I have a 145.012, and love it! My summer, go anywhere watch is an orange PO 2500C which has been great! But . . . Would also like to add a 5513 at some point. Sooooo, buy both! If having something you can wear in the water is important, get the 5513 first, then track down a 321. Both are increasing in value quite quickly though.

 

as a human being you need to own both.

 

OMG [emoji15] Vintage Ref 5512 / 5513 / Mil Sub 5517 are my most favourite vintage Rolex watches & I just go really weak in the knees. I dont really care about the other vintage brands really..Like What Ever...!

●How good is the finishing on the casing , dial ,bracelet of the 5513 ?
● What is the production yr ?
●Is your Sub fitted with a base calibre 1530 chronometer certified or the 1520 which is not
● What do you mean by originality intact ? Really ? Do you mean the watch is unpolished & has not been messed around with ? Is the bracelet ,dial & fonts & original too? There were so many variants in the font alignment , depth ratings , text writings etc.
●If the 5513 is all or near original from an early production era , with box & papers intact, personally I would put my investment on the Rolex 5513. I know a few Chinese Businessmen in Malaysia & Singapore who are willing to pay anything between USD 5 K to USD 50 K for a Rolex 5513 depending on the originality & age

 

It's nice to see members of an omega (significantly speedmaster) forum providing their unbiased opinions and not trashing a different brand simply because it's not a speedmaster. Much different than my experiences with European (911/M3) car forums. But, in my humble opinion, I prefer the looks of the 145.012 - just stay out of the water with it - but again I've never owned either one.

 

So true about the 5512 as I love wearing mine as well. I am fortune enough to own a 145.012....best of both worlds.

 

Couldn't agree more!

 

Your assessment is SPOT ON for buying a 551x. My 5513 checks all of the boxes but b/ps.

 

No one can tell you which one you'll like better.

You say it's a toss up.... so flip a coin.

If you're happy with the outcome, buy that one.

If not, buy the other.

And ... Good news! Neither is particularly rare, so you can always change your mind later.

 

Thanks for the input everyone! The rolex would be an oroginal serif dial 70's 5513 with eggshell patina unpolished and with no bracelet. No bracelet as well for the speedmaster and unpolished case with a off yellow patina and DON. Still a tough choice but maybe my heart is feeling the 5513 the more i think about not having one or the other

 

I hear you, but great examples of either are hard to source.

@jayrock26 any pics of the watches? prices? Between two being offered at the same time, I will go with the better example everytime, and then seek out a great example of the reference I didn't buy. If both are great, buy both!

 

Hi @ATWG @U5512 Ref 5512
Hi @watchnut Ref 5513

Oh My Gawd ! You people make me so frustrated & envious. I feel like doing a 'David Blaine Wrist Watch Disappearing Act on both your wrists !

I dont get it why @jayrock26 has decided that a chronograph function is top priority here & Speedie meets the criteria.
I mean @jayrock26 , how on earth do you read the subdials on the Speedy? I have a XI 45 but never once pressed any of the chrono piston pushers would you believe it ?
Hell Yeah ! I can even tell you another Swiss brand watch that has an uncanny resemblance to the Speedy form shape & size AND you can safely operate the chronograph function 100 m below sea level and that's all I have to say[emoji136]

Thank You for having me on this thread. TO @ATWG + @U5512 + @watchnut You Guys Rock !

 

As much as I like Speedmasters, in this case the 5513 by a mile...

 

Heres the sub, aside from the bezel does it look okay? Im leaning towards the sub

 

I have a '67 Speedy 145.012 and an '86 Rolex SubD 168000. Both in great vintage shape. Bought the sub from the original owner. I love them both, but if I had to choose, the SubD wins. More versatile than the Speedy for me.

If the price seems ok for both, why not buy both and flip the one you like less?

 

Here's the listing for those that want more info (hope that's ok with OP, I will delete if not):

http://www.network54.com/Forum/2076...x+Submariner+5513+No-Date+Serif+Dial+on+Strap

 

Nice loozing sub...personally, I would spend more and get a Maxi dial with a bracelet and better case and inseat.

You are better off spending more to get a better example imo.

There are some nice ones out there right now, Craft & Tailored and HQ Milton have some good stock.

Too be honest, my 145.012 is a trade piece for me...

 

You definitely need to do your homework. Go to matte5513.com to validate the dial to the corresponding serial #.

The insert looks to me to be a replacement, perhaps someone can confirm this. Also not sure if this is an artifact of the image, but the tritium plot at 10 o'clock looks a bit off. You need macro shots of the dial and hands as well as the lugs to formulate an opinion.

Again, unless you personally know the seller, I suggest doing lots of due diligence.