Lot 189
ROLEX - a gentleman’s Oyster Perpetual Submariner bracelet watch with helium escape valve....
Monday 21 July 2014 | 11:00 | Lots: 247
Lot 189
ROLEX - a gentleman’s Oyster Perpetual Submariner bracelet watch with helium escape valve....
Lot 189
Lot Description
ROLEX - a gentleman’s Oyster Perpetual Submariner bracelet watch with helium escape valve. Issued by Comex. Circa 1972. Reference 5513, serial 3530753. Signed automatic calibre 1520. Black dial with luminous hour markers, date aperture to three. Calibrated bezel, stainless steel case fitted to a stainless steel Oyster bracelet with Fliplock clasp. 39mm.<p>
From the front this watch appears to be a standard Rolex 5513 Submariner but a glance at the case edge at the 9 o’clock position reveals something unusual. The small steel disc or button signifies that this watch is something very special and continuing to turn the watch over with show the famous appellation ‘COMEX’ on the case back. <p>
The watch dates from 1972 and illustrates the symbiotic relationship between the two companies. Rolex were developing the helium escape valve that would allow watches to be used at depths that demanded saturation diving and COMEX provided a test bed for these watches which they needed to work safely at such depths. <p>
The earliest COMEX watches did not always have the company logo on the dial but did on the case back. This early example provides a fascinating insight into the progression from Submariner to Sea-dweller with the help of this pioneering team of engineers.
Brand: Rolex
Export issue: Yes
Model: Submariner Comex
Postage: Auction Default
Derivative: Oyster Perpetual
Weight: No
Total lot weight: No
Condition Report
<li> Movement appears to currently function.
<li> Movement shows signs of previous intervention particularly screwheads.
<li> Wear is present to the rotor bridge.
<li> Dial appears in good condition with clear dial logo and text, hour markers appear slightly discoloured and dull.
<li> Hands are in good condition with luminescent appearing strong, possible replacement.
<li> Plexi-glass is heavily scratched with large scratches towards 7 and 8 which obscures the dial, chips are also evident around edge.
<li> Casing is heavily scratched throughout.
<li> Unidirectional bezel is lightly scratched and no longer operates, pearl is fixed at 12 and slightly chipped to its cover.
<li> Case back is scratched through previous use and is engraved with Rolex, Coronet, Comex, previous service marks on inside of case back.
<li> Watch is fitted to stainless steel bracelet containing heavy scratching throughout, links are slightly stretched, primary clasp does not activate or connect and features heavy scratching.
<li> Secondary security clasp connects however is loose, clasp extension appears to connect.<p>
This lot does not come with box or papers.<p>
Fellows do not guarantee the working order or accuracy of any lots sold. <p>
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. <p>
Please see the Important Notices for Purchasers in our catalogue and online for any additional considerations that may affect this lot. <p>
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<p>
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