Rolex

Few pieces capture the attention of Rolex collectors quite so fiercely as those created in collaboration with specialist institutions such as COMEX or the Royal Navy. Indeed in both industries watches capable of withstanding the extreme environments divers were so frequently subject to were essential tools and heavily relied upon. It is little surprise then that Rolex collaborated with the British Royal Navy and COMEX worked together to produce such instruments, and it is to this category that the following lots belong.  

Widely recognized as the pioneers of commercial diving, COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertise) was established in 1961 by Henri Germain Delauze, the same man who helmed the company for over 50 years until his death in 2012. It is understood that they took delivery of both Submariner and SeaDweller models in the 70s and 80s and are usually distinguished with the COMEX name on the dial and numbering to the case back.

While many watch making companies have worked to provide timepieces for military personnel, the wristwatches made by Rolex especially for the British Royal Navy are unsurpassed in their desirability. It is understood that in the region of 1200 watches in total were produced, and, somewhat understandably given the environment in which they required to perform, many were lost or destroyed. It is then fair to say that they represent some of the rarest examples of the specific references produced. Always marked with an encircled T to the dial and military arrow and numbers to the case back, they are also often distinguished by several characteristics which, depending on the reference, either should or should not be present.

The Rolex Comex reference 5513 HEV along with the military submariner reference 5513/5517 are both very important submariners to Rolex's history as well as being very important for Rolex collectors.

The present watch is a very rare first batch with "non-Comex" dial reference 5513 (which is correct for early examples). The case back is not only engraved with the words "Rolex" and "COMEX" across the case back rather than surrounding the edge, but also it features an small text early batch issue number of "163" . 

Originally owned by a shareholder at Shell Oil who gifted the watch to the current owner's father (pictured wearing the watch) and comes to us through his family.