Rolex

• cal. 1530 automatic nickel lever movement, 25 jewels • black dial with encircled "T" above the depth markings, luminescent triangle, baton and dot indexes, luminescent sword hands • Oyster case, rotating black bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw-down crown with protective shoulders, back engraved with the Royal Navy broad arrow sign, issue and unit numbers • case, dial and movement signed

Dial with slight patina, hands with oxidation and original luminescence. Case with slight surface scratches and pitting. Movement dry but in excellend condition. Rare and historically important addition to a collection.
"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 service letter from Rolex confirming that serial number 3826402 was supplied to the Iranian Army in May 1975.

When former SBS (Special Boat Services) officers of the British Royal Navy came to Iran to train the Shah's elite soldiers, some of the Iranian soldiers wanted the exact same equipment used by the British. Consequently, a small number of Iranian Ref. 5513s were ordered from Rolex as part of a larger order of Submariners for the British military. Like the models issued to the British Royal Navy, the dials were marked with an encircled "T" to indicate the use of the luminous material tritium. The outside case backs were marked with the military broad arrow sign, Ministry of Defense issue number and unit number. As well as being marked with the serial number 3826402 between the lugs, the inside case back of the presently offered watch is marked with the same serial number.