The Art of Horology in Geneva

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 13, 1999

LOT 322

Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Submariner, Comex, Ref. 5513, third generation, made in 1971.Fine and rare centre-seconds, self-winding, water-resistant at 200 metres/660 feet, stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch with stainless steel "Flush-fit" Oyster bracelet.

CHF 8,000 - 10,000

Sold: CHF 14,375

C. three body, polished and brushed, screwed case back and crown, graduated revolving bezel for the decompression times, "Triplock" winding-crown protected by the "Crown Guard" with gas escape valve. D. black with tritium-coated indexes. "Skeleton" tritium-coated hands. M. Cal. 1530, rhodium plated, 26 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Diam. 40 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3 - 6
Movement: * 3
Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

ComexThis model was made by Rolex and lent to Comex in Monte-Carlo for some diving tests. This company was specialized in submarine research. This watch won all Comex diving records and Rolex offered the watches to the Company.The gas escape valve is used to avoid that, at a certain depth, the watch explodes due to the pressure.Similar watches are published in Collezionare Orologi da Polso Rolex, 1998 Edition, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Guido Mondani Editore, Genova, p. 237.The Rolex Submariner has been the official watch for many of the Marine Corps in the world, available in stainless steel only. Many of them were attributed to the Royal Marines Special Boat Squadron marked on the dial by the Broad Arrow. The U.S. Army Forces also wore this Submariner.The first version of Submariner Ref. 6204 was launched in 1954. On the dial: Submariner.The second version of Submariner Ref. 5508 was launched in 1958. On the dial: Submariner - 100 m.= 330 ft.The third version of Submariner, the present watch, Ref. 5513 was launched in the 1960's. On the dial: Submariner - 660 ft=200 m.Then, Rolex went on modifying this model and the watch today bears 300m=1000 ft.