Shopping for a 'shock and awe!' Rolex 5513 or 5512

dougiedude · Mar 2, 2017

Gentlemen and ladies,

I've always loved the look and the history of these references, but it's taken me quite some time to overcome 'personal resistance' to the Rolex brand, unfair as it is...

... so, I think I'm finally over it!

I'm relatively a Rolex n00b, so any help or suggestions are highly appreciated...😀

I know these two ref.(5512 and 5513) are quite similar, but that generally, the 5512 is the more desirable because there are significantly fewer out there...
... and then there's those with the 'gilt' dial 🥰...like this beauty!

But I have diverged! :whipped:

I know what I like/want:

1. Good value (possible future sale).
2. Clean dial, yellow-orange, or a least, creamy markers/hands with original lume
3. None, or minor case-wear
4. Reputable seller (naturally!)

As my first go at these, I'd like to keep cost under $9k. That would obviously r/o a gilt dial, and most all of the 5512's and nicer 'meters first'. If I ran across a gorgeous one for ~$10k, however, I just might succumb...

Please let me know if this meets my above criteria (esp. #1):

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/70lpxy34/1965-rolex-submariner-5513-with-mark-4-maxi-dial-8393

Any major concerns with this one? Seem overpriced?

Might this one, at only $200 more, be better value?

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=524112

Edit: Never mind, that one's ^^^ sold!

watchknut · Mar 2, 2017

To give you a point of reference, I paid $10.2k for my feet first 1970 5513 that checked all of your boxes...its twin, literally 83 serials apart and purchased at the same time as mine, went for $16.3k 2 months later.

Mine has a better insert, the other came with caseback sticker, hangtag and anchor. Both were 100% original and never touched.

Great examples will be $10k+, very good examples can be had for $8-9k, but takes a lot of time to source the right one.

Most of HQ Milton pieces have a little hair on them...polished case, service hands or insert, lume patina or lume degradation, etc.

They are hard as hell to find, but the hunt is worthwhile, good luck!

Andy K · Mar 2, 2017

Vintage Subs are fun! I'm no expert, but just want to point out that the first watch is a bit of a Franken. The Maxi IV dial dates to the early 80s, while the case and movement date to the 60s.

dougiedude · Mar 2, 2017

BTW, I'm not averse to buying

Andy K
Vintage Subs are fun! I'm no expert, but just want to point out that the first watch is a bit of a Franken. The Maxi IV dial dates to the early 80s, while the case and movement date to the 60s.

aHA!

Just what I needed to hear... the ad tells me it's a Mark IV, but a n00b like me can't connect the dots... Thanks, Andy!

I definitely have some learning to do first...😒

dougiedude · Mar 2, 2017

You guys recommend using TRF for more info. and for eventual 'shopping'?

Andy K · Mar 2, 2017

I recommend VRF for this era Sub, or posting specific questions here. I did some research on TRF and there are a lot of bad answers there, but those guys are much more knowledgeable about modern Rolex. Also, this site is invaluable for dials: http://www.5513mattedial.com/

Here's mine, from around 1969:

sxl2004 · Mar 2, 2017

HQ Milton are very reliable. They list most everything but are not necessarily pointing out that it might be "out of place".
Recommended
I personally do not expect unpolished vintage subs, they were used and proudly show it.
If you do not need the bracelet, which by now is worn out and mostly too short, you can save $1k.

dougiedude · Mar 2, 2017

I like HQMilton, but like you say, most all of the cases are polished.

Checked out Bob's, and there I actually saw some relatively unpolished examples... perhaps HQM likes to get theirs polished first!

And yes, no need for a bracelet for me... might help in re-sell, however, since some prefer those... not me.

jimmyd13 · Mar 2, 2017

Don't settle. Don't let the money burn a hole in your pocket. Search. Question. Wait. Get the one that speaks to you.

(Sending you a link to one).

dougiedude · Mar 2, 2017

jimmyd13
Don't settle. Don't let the money burn a hole in your pocket. Search. Question. Wait. Get the one that speaks to you.

(Sending you a link to one).

Yes.

I (all of us) get rather giddy in the search!

Sometimes wanna 'jump' too soon, but that's a common n00bie error!

I did that many times in my first few vintage Omegas, and was actually quite lucky each time... can't count on that this time, especially at these prices!!

KstateSkier · Mar 2, 2017

This site helped better educate me on the rolex dials as I was trying to learn about the Subs and Seadwellers out there. Worth a read!

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

Good luck on your hunt!

LawBrk · Mar 2, 2017

I'm right here with you @dougiedude just starting my venture into a no date Sub. Was just in SF and made a visit to HQM, I have to say that Jacek and Kazu were nice gents and obviously know their stuff. If you reach out to them and tell them what you are looking for they will make a note, should something come in.....I'm waiting for a call about a late era 5513 or early 14060. The more patina the better! Good luck!

meganfox17 · Mar 2, 2017

Hi Dr Doug a.k.a Dr Doogie Howser MD a.k.a @dougiedude

" Requesting Permission To Speak Freely Sir... ! "

● The smartest thing you can do right now is NEVER underestimate SINGAPORE
( Yeah ! Not Hong Kong Guys ! )

●DELAY purchasing a vintage Rolex Sub 5512 / 5513 until you have made your " Guilt Mission Shopping Trip " to Orchard Road , SINGAPORE

●Survey all the vintage Rolex Subs outlets / boutiques here before a final decision is made

You will be astounded & be prepared for a Shock & Awe experience !

JohnSteed · Mar 2, 2017

+1 on the 5513mattedial website

calalum · Mar 2, 2017

Issues pointed out re HQM's 5513. I also don't like the mismatched lume on the hands to the dial. The second one has such a different look and feel (too much wabi for a lot of buyers) that I would think that you should really study up. Take a look at the dial vault on VRF to get some ideas. Read various online sources.

BTW, how about a matte 16660? Or are you just going for no date?

dougiedude · Mar 2, 2017

Going for no-date.

🤔.... On a watch!

In fact, the vintage Explorers can really be things of beauty, too.

So, where's Ulackfocus to remind me that I Lac .. 🙄

dougiedude · Mar 2, 2017

JohnSteed
+1 on the 5513mattedial website

Yep.

Already love the 5513matte....👍

calalum · Mar 2, 2017

And now another one is posted at HQM. Or go to the VRF sale board and see what is there or post a WTB there and you will have a lot of choices.

dougiedude · Mar 2, 2017

The new one at HQM looks quite nice!

I will go to 5513matte to see if it all adds up original; quite obviously, the bracelet is not..

Edit: never mind. Replacement dial!

ATWG · Mar 2, 2017

dougiedude
Gentlemen and ladies,

I've always loved the look and the history of these references, but it's taken me quite some time to overcome 'personal resistance' to the Rolex brand, unfair as it is...

... so, I think I'm finally over it!

I'm relatively a Rolex n00b, so any help or suggestions are highly appreciated...😀

I know these two ref.(5512 and 5513) are quite similar, but that generally, the 5512 is the more desirable because there are significantly fewer out there...
... and then there's those with the 'gilt' dial 🥰...like this beauty!

But I have diverged!

I know what I like/want:

1. Good value (possible future sale).
2. Clean dial, yellow-orange, or a least, creamy markers/hands with original lume
3. None, or minor case-wear
4. Reputable seller (naturally!)

As my first go at these, I'd like to keep cost under $9k. That would obviously r/o a gilt dial, and most all of the 5512's and nicer 'meters first'. If I ran across a gorgeous one for ~$10k, however, I just might succumb...

Please let me know if this meets my above criteria (esp. #1):

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/70lpxy34/1965-rolex-submariner-5513-with-mark-4-maxi-dial-8393

Any major concerns with this one? Seem overpriced?

Might this one, at only $200 more, be better value?

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=524112

Edit: Never mind, that one's ^^^ sold!

Love no date subs, great add to any collection. The first post, it has replacement hands and insert which would be enough for me to walk away. The case, as has been pointed out, has been overpolished, hence the price point.

Here is my MK3 full set 5512.

Good luck with your hunt.

Shopping for a 'shock and awe!' Rolex 5513 or 5512

dougiedude

watchknut

Andy K

dougiedude

dougiedude

Andy K

sxl2004

dougiedude

jimmyd13

dougiedude

KstateSkier

LawBrk

meganfox17

JohnSteed

calalum

dougiedude

dougiedude

calalum

dougiedude

ATWG

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