I got this other Rolex Submariner 5513 from a friend of mine which was given to him by his father 15 years ago. It is a "feet first" dial with white gold indices. I thought it was an 80s model because of the dial but when I checked the production number it was in the 1.4 million which is much older than my other 5513 with the "meters first" dial at 1.6 million.

Is it safe to conclude that my 2nd 5513 had a dial change when it was serviced before at a Rolex Center? I asked my friend but he has never had the watched serviced from the time he got it and likewise, his dad who bought the watch from a friend 5 years earlier.

My 2nd 5513

 

If it is really a 1.4MM serial no., then yes, presumably, the dial (and hands and who knows what else) has been changed.

 

yes its not original, dial, hands bezel all replaced with incorrect parts. Its not even the correct service dial, so highly unlikely Rolex serviced it. I hope you didn't pay too much.

 

Thanks for the info. If I may ask, how can one determine if its not the correct Rolex service dial? Does the dial have markings at the back to determine its authenticity and likewise the bezel? BTW the picture does not show clearly the creamy even patina of the hands and dial. Hope you can enlighten me more on my queries. Thanks.

 

Still beautiful though!

 

The correct service dial does not have the wg surrounds. Im a purist, so take my comment with a grain of salt. If you like the look thats all that matters. Personally I would not buy a watch with incorrect dial...but thats my opinion. All that matters is yours.

and just to clarify, I wasn't suggesting its not a real Rolex dial...just that its incorrect. The bezel is clearly identified by the fonts. Your bezel is also much later.

 

For what it's worth I specifically bought a 14060 instead of a 5513 because I liked the mix of WG surrounds with the tritium patina - each to his own... Great watch, enjoy it !

Mine ...

 

Thanks CajunTiger. Honestly, I don't feel comfortable knowing that it has period incorrect dial, hands and bezel. Originality is also very important to me. Partly, it was my fault because I never bothered checking the numbers before we concluded the deal. I will just talk to my friend again about it and see what we can work out. Worst scenario is either I live with it or sell the watch as is.

 

Really need some better photos, but the matte meters first 5513 started around 1966 with 1.6XX serial numbers, so yours in the transition period. Are your crown yards pointed? (hard to tell from images). Prior to that it was a gilt glossy dial. Have you opened the case back? what is the date?

Regardless its all totally wrong...if its an option I would return it for a refund. Its value is seriously lowered with the wrong dial.

Best to always look at the serial number and match it with the dial to be safe before buying. Also this site is priceless:
http://www.5513mattedial.com

This is what the first matte dial should look like (1.6XX 1967 MF) and second image from 1968:

 

Thanks for the link. I was able to verify that my other 5513 has the correct dial.

 

1.44 is in the gilt dial range. Parts changed at service as is usually done and those parts are very expensive now days. m

 

Thanks for all the help gentlemen. I was able to talk with my friend who gladly refunded my money after I explained to him about the discrepancies of his watch. I think he was also happy to get his watch back for sentimental reasons I suppose.

 

Was he not aware of those discrepancies prior to selling it to you? Are all these changes over 20 years old?

 

Sounds like it worked out well for both parties.

 

here my 5513 which I wear a lot recently