Rolex

Antiquorum, New York, April 2008, Lot 175

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, a shorten version of Military Submariner, 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.

This piece, coming from an important private collection, has the highly sought-after sword hands as well as the fully calibrated bezel. The case has been preserved with its soldered lugs. Furthermore, while many Milsub had their case back exchanged during service, this watch has its original matching number case back, further elevating its desirability.