Royal Navy Military Submariner Ref 5513: A Rare 1974/75 Issued Timepiece Surfaces at Bonhams
A Rare Military-Issued Rolex Submariner Comes to Auction
Bonhams has announced the sale of an exceptionally rare military-issued Rolex Submariner, Reference 5513, originally supplied to the British Royal Navy around 1974/75. The timepiece, cataloged as Lot 78 in an upcoming auction, represents a significant piece of both horological and military history, offering collectors a chance to own a watch with documented provenance from one of the world's most prestigious naval forces.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Military Submariner |
| Reference | 5513 |
| Date of Production | Circa 1974/75 |
| Movement | 26-jewel Cal.1520 automatic |
| Dial | Black with Tritium T markings, luminous dot hour markers, baton quarters, white outer minute divisions |
| Hands | Broad polished sword hands with luminous inserts, arrow-tipped centre seconds |
| Case | Brushed and polished tonneau form, 39mm, screw-down Oyster back and shouldered crown |
| Bezel | Black calibrated bezel insert |
| Lugs | Fixed bar lugs |
| Serial Number | 3826517 |
| Strap | Grey NATO fabric strap with associated black buckle |
| Case Back Engravings | Inside: I.72 date code, 3826517; Outside: 0552/923-7697 232/75 |
The Royal Navy Provenance
Military-issued Rolex Submariners are among the most sought-after variants in the collector market. The Reference 5513 was produced by Rolex between 1962 and 1989, making it one of the longest-running Submariner references. The military-issued versions, however, represent only a small fraction of total production and are distinguished by their unique engravings, fixed lug bars, and specific dial configurations.
The engravings on this particular example — 0552/923-7697 232/75 — follow the standard British Ministry of Defence numbering system used for naval equipment. The "0552" designation indicates Royal Navy ownership, while the remaining digits provide equipment and batch identification. According to Bonhams, the case back also bears the internal date code I.72, which corresponds to the production period.
Key Features That Set This Piece Apart
- Fixed Bar Lugs: Unlike civilian Submariners with spring bars, military-issued models feature fixed bars for added security during diving operations.
- Sword Hands: The polished sword-style hands with luminous inserts are a distinctive feature of military Rolex watches from this era.
- NATO Strap: The watch is presented on its original grey NATO fabric strap, the standard-issue strap for British military divers.
- Tritium Dial Markings: The "T" markings on the dial indicate the use of tritium luminous material, consistent with 1970s military specifications.
Why Military Submariners Command Premium Prices
Military-issued Rolex watches have consistently outperformed their civilian counterparts at auction. The combination of limited production numbers, documented military provenance, and the romantic appeal of watches that served in active duty makes them highly desirable. According to Bonhams, examples with clear Royal Navy provenance are particularly valued by collectors.
For those interested in understanding how military specifications influenced modern dive watch design, our guide on movement specifications and their military origins provides additional context on the evolution of automatic calibers used in military timepieces.
Auction Details
The Rolex Military Submariner Ref 5513 will be offered as Lot 78 in the upcoming Bonhams auction. Bidders and enthusiasts can view the complete lot listing and condition report on the Bonhams website. The watch represents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece with documented service history from one of the most storied naval forces in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a military-issued Submariner different from a civilian model?
Military-issued Submariners feature several distinguishing characteristics including fixed bar lugs instead of spring bars, unique Ministry of Defence engravings on the case back, specific dial markings, and often distinctive handset configurations. According to Bonhams, these modifications were made to meet the demanding requirements of military diving operations.
How can I verify the authenticity of a military-issued Rolex?
Authenticity verification involves examining the case back engravings for consistency with known military numbering patterns, checking the serial and reference numbers against production records, and confirming that the watch's specifications match documented military orders. Professional authentication from a reputable auction house like Bonhams provides additional assurance.
What is the significance of the 0552 designation?
The "0552" prefix on the case back engravings indicates Royal Navy ownership under the British Ministry of Defence numbering system. This designation, combined with the other serial numbers, helps establish the watch's provenance and service history within the British naval forces.
According to Bonhams auction house listing
Further Reading
For enthusiasts interested in the technical aspects of dive watch modifications and water resistance, our comprehensive guide on water resistance testing for modified dive watches offers practical insights into maintaining the integrity of timepieces designed for underwater use.