Timing question...

I’ve mentioned on here before that I have a 5513 from ‘86 that I’m half heartedly trying to sell. In the listing, I mentioned that it keeps good time. However, it occurred to me that I’ve never really been someone who particularly cares about precise timing of my watches, so I don’t really know what most people consider to be ‘good’. Obviously if I’m constantly resetting the watch then I’ll notice, but it’s not something I give much thought to, particularly as I rotate my collection enough that I rarely wear the same watch for more than a few days and I don’t have a winder.

Literally the day after I had that thought, a potential buyer asked me if I could get more precise timing figures, as I was upfront with him that the watch is overdue for a service, which I’ve factored into the asking price. I downloaded the WatchTool app and it appears my 5513 is gaining around 15-17 seconds per day. Would a timing number like this be considered acceptable to most? Obviously I will be fully transparent with him either way, and I intend on updating the listing to reflect this, but it occurred to me that I don’t have much of a frame of reference and I’m a bit concerned that my description of the timing as ‘good’ may appear that I wasn’t being fully transparent. To me it’s good!

I’ve always been of the school of thought that if I want accuracy, I’ll wear a quartz, I prefer style!

💰1853 Marketplace Listings for Rolex›

I would simply say keeps good time but service history unknown.

By: Bill : April 18th, 2020-18:29

And as with all vintage Rolex it is up to the buyer to decide if they feel it needs service. If you get into details you will get some sticky buyer who says it was running 18 seconds off. Describe the watch as best you can include as many pictures and tel...

Timing results can vary

By: cazalea : April 18th, 2020-18:29

I would suggest you 1. Do this in a quiet room 2. Wind the watch 1/2 or 3/4 up 3. Let it run at least an hour 4. Check the results, dial up, letting it run 30 minutes 5. If possible, continue the check in another position The software should be able to av...

If you've factored in the cost of service, I would find that kind of timing acceptable as a buyer, but . . .

By: Dr No : April 18th, 2020-18:54

. . . generally speaking, I wouldn't be content with a watch off by a minute over the course of three or four days. Art

I would service first

By: toxly347 : April 18th, 2020-21:37

If you are unsure about selling and, in addition, you are having reservations about your own behaviour towards the buyer, the only way to a satisfactory outcome is for you to service the watch first. Once the watch is back from service you will either rek...

Service cost 700-1500 for a local vintage shop. Rolex is not servicing vintage.

By: Bill : April 18th, 2020-22:20

We are talking about a 40 year old watch. If the buyer wants a new watch he should not look at vintage. Don’t service don’t warranty the watch. Sell as is were is. No bs you buy vintage you take the responsibility. As a seller you set the price and disclo...

I don't do vintage, but...

By: toxly347 : April 18th, 2020-22:40

I would neither sell or buy an unserviced watch, especially one that is not keeping time. I understand that for expert buyers and sellers servicing may not be an issue.

I wouldn’t say I’m having reservations about my ‘behavior’ per se...

By: pejp : April 19th, 2020-11:24

...I’ve been completely honest with everything. In fully good faith I’ve described the timing as good, because it’s good as far as I’m concerned. My only reservation is that I realized I don’t know what most would consider ‘good’, so I don’t want it to ap...

No offense meant

By: toxly347 : April 19th, 2020-11:46

Of course it is completely acceptable to tell the buyer that it needs a service, but that was not my point. My point was, is, that you sound unsure about selling the watch, and on top of that we agree that timekeeping is not great. Therefore in my opinion...

15 / 17 Secs per day is too much for a vintage Rolex. Just tell him that service is recommended and that the watch runs 15 / 17 secs too fast. [nt]

By: amanico : April 18th, 2020-23:35

Would seem ....

By: berlin90 : April 19th, 2020-10:41

that if you factor in the service cost to the asking price and are transparent should be up to the buyer. I know though it can be a real drag...I recently purchase a Zenith Chronograph that was supposedly serviced and working fine.....it too was about 17-...

Thanks for the advice everyone..

By: pejp : April 19th, 2020-11:21

Yes, to be clear, I’m disclosing everything to the buyer no matter what, so ultimately it is their choice. I’m basically asking about $1.2k less than I would if it were serviced, and then it’s up to the buyer what they want to do. If I find that this is a...