Important Watches featuring Masterworks of Time

Important Watches featuring Masterworks of Time

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 47. SUBMARINER 'MILSUB', REF 5513, STAINLESS STEEL DIVER'S WRISTWATCH MADE FOR THE BRITISH ARMY CIRCA 1974 [勞力士5513型號「SUBMARINER 'MILSUB'」精鋼潛水腕錶,為英國陸軍製造,年份約1974].

Rolex

SUBMARINER 'MILSUB', REF 5513, STAINLESS STEEL DIVER'S WRISTWATCH MADE FOR THE BRITISH ARMY CIRCA 1974 [勞力士5513型號「SUBMARINER 'MILSUB'」精鋼潛水腕錶,為英國陸軍製造,年份約1974]

Auction Closed

November 11, 05:36 PM GMT

Estimate

60,000 - 80,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Rolex


SUBMARINER 'MILSUB', REF 5513

STAINLESS STEEL DIVER'S WRISTWATCH MADE FOR THE BRITISH ARMY

CIRCA 1974

[勞力士5513型號「SUBMARINER 'MILSUB'」精鋼潛水腕錶,為英國陸軍製造,年份約1974]


Dial: black

Calibre: cal. 1520 automatic, 26 jewels

Case: stainless steel, screw-down back

Case number: 3'764'858

Dimensions: 40 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Rolex service guarantee

Throughout the 1970s Rolex supplied watches to the British Military for use by the Special Forces, namely the Rolex Submariner. Over the course of the decade, around 1200 pieces were manufactured for the Armed Forces. Nonetheless, it is believed that only a few hundred pieces have survived. Utilizing references 5513, 5513/5517 and 5517, the watches were altered to meet strict military specifications and as such are especially collectible. These special pieces had their dials marked with a letter T above the depth rating, the lugs feature fixed bars, and the case backs engraved with a Military issue number, supply date and the famous ‘Broad Arrow’. As opposed to the 5517, the reference 5513 came with any combination of hands (standard or Sword) or bezels (calibrated to 15 or 60 units).


Dubbed the "Milsub" by collectors, the modifications made have now become renowned in the vintage watch world. What’s more, given the conditions and environments that they were made to endure, examples in good condition are incredibly sought after, and examples featuring the famous ‘Sword’ hands even more so.


The present lot is typical of the Milsub reference 5513 and has remained in the same private collection for over two decades. Its extremely well-preserved dial has a warm yellow patina and matching original sword hands, giving this piece strong character and presence on the wrist.