My First Build - Vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 No Date - Watch Build Guide
Upon starting my adventure to build my first watch, I embarked on a trail of reading forums, watching YouTube videos and reading pages across the web.
Key facts
- My first watch build is a franken of a vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 no date, using an Asian clone 2813 movement.
- The 2813 runs at 21,600 bph (6 bps) and was chosen because it can be bought for a reasonable price.
- Parts were a domed vintage-style case, a vintage Submariner dial with working lume, and cream hands with green lume.
- The trickiest step was fitting the second hand onto the 2813's 0.17 pin, made easier with magnifying glasses.
- The finished watch is worn on a sand-coloured suede strap.
Parts used
- Dial
- Vintage Submariner dial, green lume
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Upon starting my advantage to build my first watch, I embarked on a trail of reading forums, watching YouTube videos and reading pages and pages across the web. I felt this was the right movement to start a build.
In this first build I will attempt to create a franken of a vintage Rolex submariner 5513 no date. A lovely watch on wrist and holds such present and stunning style that just does not go out of fashion.
Sourcing Parts
To build this watch I want a movement with 21,600 bph (6 bps), a watch case, dial, hands and strap.
For the movement I was going to use an Asia clone movement which can be picked up for a reasonable price. Clone movement called a 2813 - I will cover differences between movements in another post
For the case I wanted something to fit my 2813 movement and for it to have a vintage style case. I picked up this wonder domed case from eBay.
For the dial we needed something which looked like a vintage submariner - from my time on a watch forum I sourced these parts and was able to get a stunning looking vintage dial the lumes on this also work which is great.
For the hands I was able to source the parts from many hours searching on Aliexpress - I wanted hands which submariner style where an off-white, almost cream in colour. Additional I wanted the lume to be green the same as the dial I had purchased. I finally found the right ones!
For the strap I wanted a stylish but clean looking - I found this really sweet suede in a sand colour.
The Build
Once I had all the parts it was time to assemble I placed the dial onto the 2813 movement and tighten the screws to secure. Once it was on the dial it was time to put the hands on, first placing the hour hand on to the movement and then the minute hand. I pushed these on with dial press tools you can see these in my tools section. The tricky bit is the second hand being only 0.17 pin to place onto with the 2813 movement I found it was easier using magnifying glasses (see these in my tools) then once its placed onto the movement I could then press down with a tool.
I checked the hour, minute and second hand was moving I removed the stem from the movement and now put the watch case over the top of the dial and movement, now I could flip this in one keeping all in place. I cut the stem and attached the unbranded crown which come with the case. I put the stem thought the case and reattached to the movement - check the hands where moving and then went on to apply the back case - I tighten with some Rolex case tools I purchased from Amazon these are also in my tools
The finished article
Now the watch was build I went on to attached the suede strap I had purchased to complete the look. Manually wound the movement to kick start it going and now its ready for wrist time!
Frequently asked questions
Can you build a Rolex Submariner 5513 with a 2813 movement?
Yes. This first build uses an Asian clone 2813 movement at 21,600 bph in a domed vintage-style case, with a vintage Submariner dial and cream hands with green lume.
What is an Asian 2813 movement?
The 2813 is an Asian clone automatic movement that runs at 21,600 bph (6 bps). It can be bought for a reasonable price, which makes it a popular choice for a first watch build.
What is the hardest part of a first watch build?
Fitting the second hand. On the 2813 it goes onto a 0.17 pin, so magnifying glasses help you place it before pressing it down with a hand press tool.
How do you assemble a 2813 Rolex homage watch?
Screw the dial to the 2813, press on the hour, minute and second hands, then remove the stem and place the case over the dial and movement. Cut the stem, fit the crown, refit the stem, close the case back and attach the strap.
