- 17
Rolex
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
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Description
- A VERY RARE STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC DIVER'S WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET1972 REF 5513/5514 OYSTER PERPETUAL SUBMARINER COMEX
- DIAMETER 39MM.
cal.1520 nickel lever movement, 26 jewels, free-sprung mono-metallic balance • Rolex Comex replacement black gloss dial with luminescent triangular, dot and baton numerals all with metal outlines, centre seconds, Comex printing • stainless steel Oyster case with patented gas relief valve in the band at 9 o'clock, bi-directional rotating black bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw-down crown, screw-down case back engraved with the Rolex Comex logo, engraved to the inside with serial number and date stamped • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex bracelet and flip-lock clasp
Condition
The movement is running. Dial in good condition. There are some small dents to the edge of the bezel but overall the case and the bracelet are in very good refinished condition.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Accompanied by a Rolex Service Guarantee dated 29.05.03, and a presentation case.
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. At first, the gas escape valve was featured on special Reference 5513 models, however, the model was re-named Reference 5514. The present lot is the Reference 5514 and its case includes the patented gas relief valve and is therefore more sought-after by collectors. It is understood that some of the early Comex dials did not feature the printed Comex logo; when these watches were returned to Rolex for servicing, they were often replaced with glossy black dials featuring metal outlines to the luminous numerals and a printed Comex signature, these characteristics are all found on the present lot.
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. At first, the gas escape valve was featured on special Reference 5513 models, however, the model was re-named Reference 5514. The present lot is the Reference 5514 and its case includes the patented gas relief valve and is therefore more sought-after by collectors. It is understood that some of the early Comex dials did not feature the printed Comex logo; when these watches were returned to Rolex for servicing, they were often replaced with glossy black dials featuring metal outlines to the luminous numerals and a printed Comex signature, these characteristics are all found on the present lot.