Rolex 5513 Meters First

Rmm26a · Mar 8, 2023

Have a Rolex Submariner 5513 meters first. Bezel appears original but Pearl is replaced, hands have been replaced. Serial number has been crudely carved by hand into the case where it was once worn away. No bracelet. Has original guarantee card. Case back has very light engraving from previous owner.

what’s this thing worth?

Dan S · Mar 8, 2023

The case is really poorly polished, unfortunately. Still, the watch has potential. The lugs are thick, and the case can be refinished. Correct hands can be found, a bracelet can be added. Needs maybe $4k-$5k of help. The missing serial number is unfortunate and will always be an issue, it also decreases the value of the papers since you can't prove they go with the watch.

If the dial is clean (hard to tell from the photos), I'd say you could get at least $7k as a project.

steversaurus · Mar 9, 2023

Really unfortunate about the serial. The good thing is the dial and the long 5 insert are decent enough. Get it serviced and put it on a strap or a replacement bracelet and it would make a great daily watch.

Jonathan40 · Mar 9, 2023

With the serial/model numbers punched in at the factory that has had some serious possibly malicious polishing done to delete the numbers.
However to have the papers in great condition with it give an opposite story compared to the head.
If you do own it then enjoy it but if you don’t I’d think twice.
Looking to sell it, look at chrono24 and eBay for selling prices currently.
Timeless classic of a watch.

Subspecies · Mar 9, 2023

The papers seem to be in remarkably good condition, like new even ?
With the reengraved serial I'd be wary, it may well be legit but as I'm no expert I would be looking elsewhere.

ghce · Mar 9, 2023

X-ray would probably reveal the original numbers and so long as that could be certified to the way the case back looks now I doubt there would be a problem.

hoshimachi · Mar 21, 2023

Dan S
The case is really poorly polished, unfortunately. Still, the watch has potential. The lugs are thick, and the case can be refinished. Correct hands can be found, a bracelet can be added. Needs maybe $4k-$5k of help. The missing serial number is unfortunate and will always be an issue, it also decreases the value of the papers since you can't prove they go with the watch.

If the dial is clean (hard to tell from the photos), I'd say you could get at least $7k as a project.

How much do aged tritium hands go for these days? I see some on ebay, but prices seem a little ridiculous.

Dan S · Mar 21, 2023

hoshimachi
How much do aged tritium hands go for these days? I see some on ebay, but prices seem a little ridiculous.

I don’t have any to sell at the moment, but with 170 more substantial posts you can post a wtb listing.

hoshimachi · Mar 21, 2023

Dan S
I don’t have any to sell at the moment, but with 170 more substantial posts you can post a wtb listing.

Haha, long way to go I guess

Rolex 5513 Meters First

Rmm26a

Dan S

steversaurus

Jonathan40

Subspecies

ghce

hoshimachi

Dan S

hoshimachi

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