I need to beg some advice from those more knowledgeable in all things Rolex.

Another collector came to me today with photos of a matte dialed 5513. The dial is lovely. No problem with that. The glass and bezel insert are both later and that is something of an issue.

The real sticking point is the case and serial number. Case is marked as third quarter of 66 with a 1.4m serial number. My understanding is that the accepted range starts at 1.6 with '67 cases. He's not had it in hand yet but has promised to send me photos this week.

The question: has anyone seen or known of a matte dial in this early a case?

 

Here is a good reference site:

http://www.5513mattedial.com/About.html

 

For 1,4 million serial, I would expect a gilt dial.

 

Thanks - I'm familiar with the site and the author sticks to the accepted range beginning with 1.6m

At the back of my mind is the concern that this watch began life with a gilt/gloss dial which was replaced early in life. I'm not sure if there are identifiable differences between the '66 and '67 cases.

 

I know - I would too ... but the difference in dates between this case and a matte dial is only a few months.

 

Type in google, 1966 rolex submariner site : hqmilton
and you will have some ideas. Looks like meters first and gilt are ok.

 

I've been doing some online searches and, thus far, have found three examples of metres first dials with 1966 dates in the 1.4 and low 1.5m range. The problem is not one of those is all correct, with the wrong inserts, glass, even hands. I am yet to be convinced that any are all original. While the watch that's been offered looks good in the photo I've seen the concerns are going to have a large impact on its value.