Lot 2285
  • 2285

ROLEX | MILITARY SUBMARINER , REFERENCE 5517 A STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH HACKING FEATURE, REVOLVING BEZEL, FIXED BAR LUGS AND MILITARY ENGRAVINGS, MADE FOR THE BRITISH NAVY, CIRCA 1978

Estimate
480,000 - 640,000 HKD
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Description

  • MILITARY SUBMARINER , REFERENCE 5517 A STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH HACKING FEATURE, REVOLVING BEZEL, FIXED BAR LUGS AND MILITARY ENGRAVINGS, MADE FOR THE BRITISH NAVY, CIRCA 1978
Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 1520 mechanical, 26 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw down case back Case number: 5'339'820Closure: canvas unsigned Nato strap and stainless steel buckleSize: 40 mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Rolex International Service Guarantee and letter from H N Hudson

Condition

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial and bezel insert is in very good overall condition. The lumes have all aged consistently and are a nice ivory color. The band with very minor signs of wear at places. The hands have been changed during a service. The case and case back with signs of polishing, however the engravings to the case back remains sharp. Inner case back is stamped 5512 and the for third quarter of 1960. The numbers between the lugs are very crisp and very easy to read. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Rolex military Submariner or the “Milsubs” are arguably one of the most famous and rare military watches on the market today. Once a standard issue equipment by the Ministry of Defense, the present watch is a reference 5517 which is the rarest among all three available Milsub references, 5513, 5513/5517 and 5517. With only about 1,200 Milsubs issued from 1971 to 1979, the present watch is a very well preserved and kept example of a Milsub. What further highlights this example is the letter from Mr Hudson at Rolex in the United Kingdom confirming the provenance of the watch and it was issued to the British Royal Navy in June 1978. The watch has been serviced and the original Sword hands were changed during the service.