ROLEX Stainless Steel "Mil Sub" Made for British Navy Ref 5513

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ROLEX Stainless Steel "Mil Sub" Made for British Navy Ref 5513

About the Item

Brand Name Rolex Style Number 5513 Also Called Mil Sub, military sub, submariner, Nato Sub Series Mil Sub - Military Issued Gender Men's Case Material Stainless Steel Dial Color Black - w/ Circle "T" - Tritium Markers Movement Automatic Engine Cal. 1520 Crystal Material Domed Plastic - Original (w/ scratches) Case Diameter 39mm Caseback Solid - Military Markings All Intact Bezel Material Original Military Bezel w/ 60 Minute Markers (Missing Pearl) Bezel Function Unidirectional Rotating Crown Material Stainless Steel Strap Material Grey Nato Syle - Sueded Leather This Rolex Vintage British Mil Sub, Ref. 5513, is one of the rarest Rolex models ever produced. Truly one of the "holy grail" important wristwatches for collectors. These "special distribution" Submariners were ordered by the MOD (Ministry of Defense) as functional diving instruments for their armed forces during the early 1970s. Notice the fixed springbars on the side of the case. Military subs were never issued on a bracelet, but rather they came with fixed springbars and "NATO-style" straps which are much less likely to fault in combat as opposed to the spring loaded bars on standard 5513 bracelet versions. It is said approximately 1200 were produced and distributed during the early 1970s for almost 10 years. Many of these original military pieces were "discharged" from combat just like the soldiers who wore them once their tours were completed. Case backs were polished off to remove military markings, bezels and sword hands were switched to the standard versions, all to make the watch look more like the "civilian" models. (What a shame!) As a result, few of these pieces survived still intact with their original parts. At the time, case backs were engraved upon receipt with assignment codes to all branches of the English armed forces as you can see on this version. Using these codes, we can dissect the markings and establish that this piece belonged to an English military diver. Code <923-7697> stands for the English military classification for wrist watches made for divers. It is also important to note that these watches were issued to army Rangers as well as pilots simultaneously, but this case has the higher waterproof rating because it was a diver issued one. (That means it is more desirable!) Other important distinctions on Mil Subs worth noting. Dials were inscribed with a large "T" which stands for tritium (a radioactive material) used in the luminescent markers as opposed to radium which was common on military watches at the time. The special "sword style" hands are unique to the series for easier legibility under water. The continuous minute insert bezel has indicators up to 60 as opposed to just 15 on normal subs. (This one happens to be missing the little pearl.) The Broad Arrow on the case back also signifies that this piece was property of the Royal Crown. The inner portion of the case back also has the serial numbers matching the serial numbers between the lugs. These pieces have all been battle tested and come with rich provenance. If you are a military fanatic, or have relatives that served in the British Navy, a commemorative gift like this is sure to appreciate in value over time given their scarcity and relative condition. So rare to ever see them for sale. All original, never been polished! We value full transparency so do not hesitate to ask any questions about it. *****Please note that the crystal has scratches and chips on it, not the dial. The dial has aged beautifully and exhibits an exceptionally nice even patina throughout, original hands, and bezel. Never been re-lumed or altered. Manufacturer's fourth edge is still visible at certain angles and case is very sharp but does have scratches and small scuffs from wear. Serial number is 3972XXX and is visible despite scratches. The watch is keeping good time. Winding crown is a bit stiff but functional. The watch has not been tested for water resistance but has been keeping accurate time.***

Creator:
Rolex
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1970s
Condition:
Previously Enjoyed.
Seller Location:
Los Angeles, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: JU121228266283

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Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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