Rolex Submariner 5513 from a Former COMEX Diver | Bob's Watches
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
In this video we talk about a rare vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 that previously belonged to a COMEX diver.
Want to learn more about this unusual vintage Rolex Submariner reference 5513 for COMEX and why Rolex retrofitted it with a helium escape valve? Click here to read the full story over on our blog: www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blo...
We recently received an incredibly special Rolex Submariner reference 5513 that previously belonged to a commercial saturation diver that worked with COMEX. After serving with the British Royal Navy from 1962 until 1973, Stuart L. left with a deep love of the sea and all of its creatures. He then joined COMEX Diving from France where he was trained in many aspects of technical diving using diving bells and different gas mixtures.
It was at this point that this reference 5513 Rolex Submariner entered Stuart’s life. The watch has an estimated production date of 1971 and was among the early examples given by Rolex to COMEX as part of the two brands’ recently-formed partnership. Rolex would provide COMEX with free Submariner and Sea-Dweller watches and in exchange, COMEX’s divers would report back to Rolex regarding the watch’s real-world performance.
Stuart’s Rolex Submariner 5513 was retrofitted with a prototype version of the brand’s recently invented helium escape valve, and the watch was issued to him for testing and research purposes, where part of his duties were to report back to Rolex with updates on the watch and to send it back to Rolex for analysis, updates, repairs, and cleaning.
Stuart wore this Submariner 5513 for the rest of his commercial diving career and also in the years thereafter, with it faithfully serving as a reliably timekeeping companion and a constant reminder of the remarkable places he had seen, many of which only a very small number of individuals will ever experience.
What makes this particular Rolex Submariner 5513 so remarkable is that this configuration was never supposed to exist. The reference 5513 (along with every other standard-production Submariner model) is not supposed to have a helium escape valve (HEV); this feature is reserved exclusively for the Rolex Sea-Dweller. While the reference 5514 is a Submariner model fitted with a HEV created specifically for COMEX and never released to the public, the reference 5513 is a standard-production Rolex Submariner No-Date and it was never supposed to have a helium escape valve at all.
The case-back of this COMEX Submariner 5513 is engraved with both Rolex and COMEX names, along with the watch’s issued number and Rolex’s coronet insignia. While the reference 5513 is considered by many to be the quintessential vintage Rolex Submariner, an insanely wide range of variation exists among this historic model. Gilt dial examples from the early years of the ref. 5513’s history typically reign supreme when it comes to value and collectibility, but these ultra-rare prototype Submariner watches represent an entirely new level of exclusively, as only a relative handful were ever produced and only a fraction of that original number is still in existence today.
Click here to view our complete selection of both new and vintage Rolex Submariner watches: www.bobswatches.com/rolex-sub...
This particular Rolex Submariner reference 5513 is in incredibly well-preserved condition, especially considering both its age and the remarkable life that it has lived. The watch still has its original tritium dial and hands, both of which have developed a warm sand-colored patina. Additionally, the watch still has its original fat-font bezel insert and original folded-link Oyster bracelet, both of which show signs of wear from their many years of professional use.
Part of the reason why we love vintage watches is that each one has its own unique history and no two examples are exactly alike. Many of these watches were manufactured during a time when they were still regarded as necessary timekeeping tools, and some of them like this Rolex 5513 Submariner have amazing stories to tell. By collecting vintage watches, we get to become part of the history of these amazing timepieces, and best of all, we get the opportunity to start writing our own chapters within them.
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Thanks for watching our video on this rare and incredible vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 that came to us directly from a former COMEX diver. Don’t forget to subscribe to our KZread channel so that you can stay up-to-date on our latest video content.
Пікірлер: 34
I was a comex diver and sold my 5513 submariner a couple of years ago. One thing that i don't think is understood is that parts were replaced on these watches by Rolex virtually everytime they had a free service so those that were in the possession of real divers would not now be the original item. Apart from the internals, the bezels used to detach, clasps on the straps unlatch and glass get scratched with heavy use. I wore mine constantly for 45 years it wasn't the best time keeper without being regularly serviced.
@boma23
Жыл бұрын
My father was a Comex diver given one for testing, and wore it for work and diving the rest of his life, literally diving right up to the end. He only noticed after receiving it back from service, that they had either replaced the dial, or re-applied the lume (unlikely), without mentioning it to him, as the watch was now glowing brighter than it ever had!
Damn this Rolex Comex watch gave me goose bumps!!! That in other words was like a prototype. In any case keep them coming👍
Bob, you seem to be one of the few people in the watch community who understands the purpose and function of the helium escape valve. It comes into play only in the dry environment of the presssurised mixed gas dive chamber. Helium molecules are the smallest molecules. As such, they can penetrate even a well-sealed watch that is impervious to water. As the pressure in the dry dive chamber is reduced, the helium trapped within the watch expands, increases the pressure within the watch, and can blow out the crystal. The escape valve does not come into play at all in “wet diving” at any depth.
Incredible. Just amazing
Wow! Great story, great watch!
Congratulations for this find, incredible time-piece. I think you did not mention the fact that the dial does not have neither the "Submariner" word, nor "COMEX" word. I guess that´s unusual too. Beside the very interesting details about the adoption of the Helium valve, and the technical issues about it. Time passes, and all those tool-watches of that pioneering era become more and more important. But in that special group Submariner is so special... almost magic, for watch-fans, I think. Cheers!
Very interesting
This is the real sub... thank you Bob
Fantastic
I'm guessing this watch sold long before it hit Bob's Watches website? There is a detailed listing with lots of information, but no mention of a price. I'd be really curious how much this went for.
I don’t see this on your website. Can you tell me the year (you mentioned early 70s but curious if it’s a 1970). Also what’s the price?
Are there 5512s with escape valve?
Was this the watch that once belonged to the former COMEX diver that was on antiques roadshow in 2019? I hope he got his money - seemed a really cool guy.
@bobswatches
2 жыл бұрын
This is most likely not the same watch, we recieved this from a collector.
@scwarzewaffe85
2 жыл бұрын
@@bobswatches that’s unfortunate - they’re stories seemed very similar as well. I loved the video too , great work.
For future reference revue some vintage Tudors! You know which ones the Tudor Prince with crossover Rolex Parts. Like the Crown, Case back the oyster band fold over clasp. Those are awesome. Many Blessings
@ericty8782
3 жыл бұрын
I realize I'm kinda randomly asking but do anyone know a good website to stream new movies online ?
@caysonreign2079
3 жыл бұрын
@Eric Ty I use FlixZone. Just search on google for it =)
@jaxforrest4151
3 жыл бұрын
@Cayson Reign yea, been watching on Flixzone for since april myself =)
@maximilianoeaston6283
3 жыл бұрын
@Cayson Reign Thanks, signed up and it seems like a nice service :) Appreciate it!
@heathremington3903
3 жыл бұрын
@Eric Ty No problem :D
Yesterday on Facebook stolen Rolex page, a former COMEX diver got his COMEX sub stolen, #713…. Makes me sick to my stomach.
The Rolex sub with the HEV is the 5514 unless everything I read and researched is wrong and my 5514 is wrong? Mine has 5514 stamped between the lugs. Maybe they converted some 5513's?
@boma23
Жыл бұрын
The original prototypes given to the divers were standard 5513 with the HEV added. V. Low numbers given for testing, then sent bacl to Rolex, before being returned to the divers.
@boma23
Жыл бұрын
and now I replied before getting to the end of the comments :)
I have one these in mint condition now
I have seen one Comex printed Rolex
My dad worked for comex in the 70s and 80s
Stupid me, I commented before finishing the video! I will fall on my sword now....
Helium escape Valve?..... Every watch has one... Its called the crown... Simply unscrew the crown when your back in the chamber and the helium monicules will escape .. Simple.
WHY WOULD ANYONE SELL THIS???
Where is Ms. THICCness?
A long winded justification for the high price of a “COMEX sub” that doesn’t actually say COMEX on the dial. Sorry, it ain’t the same…..