Rolex

Antiquorum, Geneva, November 2006, Lot 323

Rolex and COMEX Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises shared a common commitment to technical excellence and engineering innovation. While Rolex brought its expertise in precision watchmaking, COMEX operated at the forefront of deep sea exploration for the oil industry. Together, they pushed the boundaries of what was possible, developing specialised Submariners for professional divers, some equipped with helium escape valves in the mid to late 1960s to prevent damage caused by helium accumulation during saturation diving.

The present watch is a reference 5513, one of the purest expressions of the Submariner line. Produced from 1962 to 1989, the 5513 is characterised by its no date dial, symmetrical layout, and robust construction, making it a natural choice for professional use and a frequent base for COMEX issued timepieces.

The present example, with a 2.8 million case number dating to circa 1970, displays the quintessential two lines of text indicating its 660 ft depth rating and the model designation “Submariner,” with the COMEX logo prominently positioned beneath the centre. The case is fitted with a helium escape valve on the left hand side, while the COMEX engraving and number “24” remain visible on the case back. Inside, the case back is stamped III.70 and bears the last three digits of the serial, “552,” further supporting the watch’s authenticity and coherence.