Rolex

• cal. 1520 automatic nickel lever movement, 26 jewels, free-sprung mono-metallic balance • black matte dial, luminescent triangular, dot and baton numerals, luminescent Mercedes-style hands, centre seconds • stainless steel Oyster case with patented gas relief valve in the band at 9 o'clock, rotating black bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw-down crown, screw-down case back engraved with the Rolex Comex logo and numbered 81, engraved to the inside with reference number and date stamped • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex bracelet and flip-lock clasp

Automatic movement running while cataloguing. Case with scuffs throughout, case back with clear Rolex Comex logo, number 81 slightly rubbed. Serial no. 2833609. Reference 5513. A rare example with an earlier number for that reference.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a Rolex International Service Guarantee dated 11 October 2006 and letter confirming that this watch was supplied to Comex in 1972 with the serial number 81.

Comex (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertise) was founded in 1961, in Marseille, at a time when industrial deep-sea diving did not yet exist. Very soon, however, Comex promoted new technology and became a pioneer in deep diving operations for the offshore oil industry and has today over 2000 employees and 800 divers located all over the world. At the end of the 1960s, Comex asked Rolex to create a watch that could sustain high pressure in deep waters as the compressed and saturated air began causing a built-up of pressure in the standard Submariner case destroying its mechanism. Rolex rapidly came up with a patented solution by installing a one-way pressure relief valve on the side of the watch case, beside the 9 o'clock position, that allowed the release of helium from the case. This model would later become known as the Sea-Dweller.