Lot 298
ROLEX - a gentleman's military issue Oyster Perpetual Submariner bracelet watch.
Description
Condition Report
ROLEX - a gentleman's military issue Oyster Perpetual Submariner bracelet watch. Circa 1977. Reference 5517, serial 5339950. Signed automatic calibre 1520. Black dial with luminous hour markers. Calibrated bezel, stainless steel case fitted to a stainless steel folded link Oyster bracelet with Fliplock clasp. 39mm. Please be aware that this watch has had aftermarket intervention.
When the British Ministry of Defence shifted allegiance for the production of dive watches from Omega back to Rolex in 1971 they requested a number of modifications to the 5513 reference to bring it up to military specifications.
The bezel was to be made from nickel alloy rather than plastic so that it would dent rather than break on impact and the minute markers were carried on all round the bezel rather than for the first 15 minutes as on civilian watches, spring bars were replaced by fixed lugs to take a nylon webbing strap, the 'Mercedes' hands were replaced with larger 'Sword' shaped ones and the luminescent material was replaced with one powered by tritium, a fact signified by the circled T on the dial.
These were tool watches made to be used an abused during active service and so relatively few of the initial 1200 or so have survived. Fewer have survived fully intact as original hands often got replaced by Rolex during service and case backs did not always go back on the right watch during routine MOD maintenance.
The fact that these watches are the last remnants of a very limited production run that was never made available to the public combined with the attraction of an active service history makes these watches highly sought after by collectors.
Please note: When placing absentee bids, your bids will be rounded up to the nearest bid increment. For more information click the 'Important Notices for Purchasers' button above.
Purchasing information- Movement is currently functioning.
- Movement shows signs of previous intervention with wear to the automatic work bridge. The blued screws show signs of tarnishing.
- Dial looks to be a generally good condition, there are some marks to the luminous paint, particularly to the twelve o'clock position.
- Hands have scratches and marks some cracks can be seen to the luminous paint.
- Glass has light scratches and marks.
- Bezel has scratches, dints and some light spots of discolouration, the pearl looks to have been restored.
- Case has had the fixed bar drilled out of either end. It has been refinished at some point but still shows signs of scratches, marks and tarnishing commensurate with wear, including some dints that were not polished out previously.
- Crown has scratches and marks but screws down.
- Case back is a replacement and incorrect for this particular version.
- Bracelet has been refinished and is a later addition. There are light scratches and marks. On the underside, some links have been marked with 'x's. Bracelet is stretched with some signs of twisting.
- Clasp has been refinished, it still shows signs of previous use. The clasp does not close securely unless the securing clasp is closed.
- Bracelet measures approximately 17cm including case.
This lot does not come with box or papers.
Fellows do not guarantee the working order or accuracy of any lots sold.
Due to opening of the case back we recommend this watch is re-sealed by an authorised technician to ensure any stated water resistance is retained.
Please see the Important Notices for Purchasers in our catalogue and online for any additional considerations that may affect this lot.
If you should have further queries regarding this lot, please do not hesitate to contact Conrad Cunningham on 0121 212 5506 or at conrad@fellows.co.uk
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