Bonhams to Auction Rare Rolex Military Submariner Ref. 5513 Issued to the Royal Navy
Bonhams, one of the world's leading auction houses for fine watches, has announced the inclusion of a rare Rolex Military Submariner Ref. 5513 in an upcoming auction. The watch, dating from circa 1974/5, was originally issued to the Royal Navy and represents one of the most historically significant references in the Rolex Submariner lineage.
Auction Lot Details
According to www.bonhams.com, the lot is described as a rare military stainless steel automatic wristwatch with extensive provenance markings. The Ref. 5513 was one of the last Submariner references to be issued for official military use, making it a highly sought-after piece among collectors of military horology.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Military Submariner |
| Reference | 5513 |
| Date | Circa 1974/5 |
| Movement | 26-jewel Cal.1520 automatic |
| Case Size | 39mm |
| Dial | Black with Tritium T, luminous dot hour markers |
| Strap | Grey NATO fabric |
| Military Markings | 0552/923-7697 232/75 |
Military Provenance and Markings
Military-issued Rolex watches are among the most coveted items in watch collecting. The Ref. 5513 issued to the Royal Navy carries a range of distinctive markings that distinguish it from standard production models. The outside case back is engraved with the military serial number 0552/923-7697 232/75, a NATO Stock Number format that was used by the British Ministry of Defence.
Additional markings include an inside case back date code of I.72 and the number 3826517 engraved between the lugs. The Tritium T designation on the dial indicates the use of tritium-based luminous material, which was standard for military watches of this era. The sword-shaped hands with luminous inserts and the fixed bar lugs are also characteristic of the military specification.
Why Ref. 5513 Military Submariners Are So Rare
The Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 was in production from 1962 to 1989, making it one of the longest-produced references in Rolex history. However, the military-issued variants represent a very small fraction of total production. The British Ministry of Defence placed relatively modest orders, and many of these watches were returned to the MOD after service, making it exceptionally rare to find them on the open market.
The Ref. 5513 is also significant as the last Submariner reference to feature the Cal. 1520 movement, a reliable automatic calibre that powered many of Rolex's sports watches throughout the 1960s and 1970s. For collectors interested in the technical side of watch movements, our NH35 vs NH36 vs NH34 Movement Guide provides a comprehensive comparison of modern automatic calibres.
Collecting Military-issued Watches
Military-issued watches occupy a unique position in the collecting world. Unlike civilian models, these pieces carry the weight of real-world service history. Collectors should pay careful attention to the authenticity of military markings, the condition of the dial and lume, and the presence of any accompanying documentation from the MOD.
For those beginning their journey in watch collecting, understanding water resistance and case construction is essential. Our Water Resistance Testing Seiko Mods guide covers the fundamentals of water resistance that apply across all watch types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes a Rolex Military Submariner different from a civilian Submariner?
A: Military Submariners carry Ministry of Defence engravings on the case back, different dial markings (such as "T" for tritium), and were manufactured to specific military specifications. They were issued to military personnel rather than sold through retail channels.
Q: What is the significance of the Cal.1520 movement?
A: The Cal.1520 was a workhorse automatic movement used in several Rolex sports watches from the 1960s through the 1970s. It is known for its robustness and reliability, making it well-suited for military applications.
Q: How should I verify the authenticity of a military-issued watch?
A: Authentication should involve examining the case back engravings for correct font and depth, verifying the military serial number format, checking the movement serial number against production records, and consulting with a specialist dealer or appraiser. Provenance documentation significantly enhances the value and authenticity verification of such pieces.
Source: According to www.bonhams.com