Seller is unsure of the originality of the lume on the dial. My question to the experts do you believe it is original? Looks just too perfect and uniform in colour. The hands are also sparkly new for a 1.4m serial watch. Any feedback would be appreciated.
The very early meters first dials on the 5513 generally have a very thin layer of tritium so they can often appear very uniform now, although generally more white in appearance than the one you posted. Also, I think 1.6 million is generally the beginning of the serial range for this dial. The main tells of the meters first are present, so at first glance it appears legit, but others much smarter than me will be along to help you confirm for sure. The hands do show signs of corrosion, so they could be original or also later hands that have color matched to the dial. My quick guess would be a later dial and hands put into the earlier case. The service bezel insert is much newer as well so this pieced together watch idea could hold water possibly.
1,4 mil. should have gilt dial. Early meters first dials should glow after exposed to intense light. Are serial and ref. readable ? Indeed looks very very clean. Be careful it looks like an interesting gamble.
For reference, this one's mine: Here's a good site for reference: http://5513mattedial.com/ Personally, while we need more detailed photos, I've seen them that yellow but rarely that uniform. The serial number, as others have said, is too low for a MF dial. I wouldn't worry about the hands - they clean up fantastically, even after 50 years. There's a photo below of the same watch as above prior to a service: I'm thinking that it might have been an earlier gilt gloss that had a dial replaced. OK, before hitting "reply", I went back over the photos. The plots at 1 and 7 seem to have some real depth to them ... I'm edging towards it being right (the dial, not the dial being original to the rest). That's the best I've got, I'm afraid. Certainly collectors would be wary of a MF on that serial number if and when you came to re-sell.
Thanks all for your input, a few too many questions and uncertainties with that one. Had this from a reputable seller arrive today instead.
Now that is a great purchase!! Love that insert and crystal, you waited for a good one and then pounced, great work.
