Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 12, 2013

LOT 111

ROLEX, REF. 5514, COMEX SUBMARINER Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Submariner, 660ft=200m, No. 736, case No. 4155932, Ref. 5514/5513. Made in 1976. Fine and very rare, water-resistant, center seconds, self-winding, stainless steel diver?s wristwatch with first generation helium escape valve and a stainless steel Rolex Ref. 93150 Oyster fliplock bracelet. Accompanied by correspondance between Rolex Geneva and the former owner.

CHF 35,000 - 55,000

HKD 290,000 - 450,000 / USD 37,000 - 58,000

Sold: CHF 51,250

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screw-down case back with matching serial number, engraved Rolex Comex and No. 736, screw-down crown with Crown Guard, graduated bi-directional revolving black bezel for the decompression times, helium escape valve. D. Black with applied white gold luminous round, triangular and baton indexes, Comex logo, outer minute/ second divisions. Luminous steel skeleton hands. M. Cal. 1520, rhodium-plated, 26 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating fl at balance spring, hack mechanism. Dial, case and movement signed. DIAM. 40 mm. THICKNESS 14 mm. Approx. overall length 205 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-6

Very good

Slightly oxidized

Notes

This 5514 was bought directly from the original diver from the current owner in 1977. Some accounts describe that divers sometimes ?purposely? lost their watches during their underwater missions in order for them to acquire the newer model of Rolex Comex watches. It seems that this may have been the case as the watch was acquired directly from the diver but in 1981 when the watch was sent to Rolex for service the watch was registered as having been lost so Rolex considered it as Comex property. The current owner then showed proof that he had acquired the watch legitimately and the issue was then sorted out between all parties. The extensive documentation relates to this solved ownership dispute.