1969 Submariner 5513 Buy or Pass Advice

I have been looking for a vintage Submariner 5513 or 1680 and this was just offered to me. I have not seen it in person but it is close to me. Have seen many pictures and details. Came from the original owner:
1969 5513 with box (not original to the watch) and original dated 1968 papers and correct serial number on the card. Has a later replacement bezel insert, 1981 bracelet 93150 with 580 ends, and has not been serviced for 20 years. It has been polished and lugs are a bit thin. Crystal needs to be polished and dial looks nice. Serial number between lugs matches serial number on card. 5513 between other lugs. Non trip lock crown
Seller wants less than $9000 as is for the watch box and papers.
Would love some advice on whether to buy or pass. Thanks in advance

Is it possible to find a nicer one either 5513 or 1680 in that price range?

Thanks for the help Dan

A couple of lessons I learnt from vintage Rolex watches..... one of which is condition condition condition.

Those lugs and crown guards look pretty tired. That alone would dissuade me from this purchase.

Think about this way; imagine you paid 9k for this and you enjoy it etc; what if a "nicer" piece comes along; with stronger and thicker lugs/crown guards which might go for 12.5k... but negotiable?

That's what bitten me before; and since then I've always opted for better condition pieces if it means 1-2k more.

Box means nothing; you can easily source for these from dealers.

Excellent advice sdre. Thanks

I just notified the seller that I was passing. If anyone has a nicer 5513 or 1680 please contact me. Thanks to all who posted responses.

I passed on this 5513. If anyone is interested in buying it the seller offered it to me for under $8900 with box and papers as described above. Contact me if interested and I will give you the sellers number.