Rolex

• cal. 1520 automatic nickel lever movement, 26 jewels •, black dial with encircled "T" above the depth markings, luminescent dot, baton and triangle indexes, luminous sword hands • Oyster case, black revolving bezel calibrated for 60 units, screw down crown and back • case, dial and movement signed

The movement is running while cataloguing but stops after a few minutes. Dial and hands show some signs of ageing. Case with a few scuffs through. Solid bar lugs have been unsoldered. Overall this watch needs a service but this is a rare and complete example of the Rolex Military issue model. Case back engraved with military issue numbers 0552/923-7697 and unit number 623/78. Ref 5513 matching inside case back, serial n° 3926240 matching inside case back. left side bottom lug bearing ref. 5517. Important notice regarding importation of Rolex watches into the United States: Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the USA because US law restrict 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."

Accompanied by its original Rolex bezel calibrated to 60 minutes.

The reference 5517 is a special military example made for the Special Boat Service of the Royal Marines in the late 1970's. Reference 5517/5513 had all the characteristic of its predecessor reference 5513 but was especially ordered from Rolex by the Royal Navy for use by the commandos of the British Special Boat Service, one of the world's most highly trained Special Forces. The ref. 5517 had a distinctive bezel with sixty minute marks rather than only the first fifteen. All inside case backs were engraved on the interior with the serial number to avoid backs being swapped during servicing. The ref. 5517 was issued until the early 1980's when the contract with Rolex expired. It is believed that the total number of all British Military Submariners, both 5513 and 5517 models, surviving from that period is now very limited.