Rolex

Rolex

Military Submariner “Milsub”

Ref. 5513

1976

40mm. diameter steel unpolished case with the Royal Navy spec solid bars, service insert in the bezel. Original triple dot winding crown. Engraved between the lugs Registered Design 5513 and Stainless Steel 382****. The case back is properly engraved with the correct Royal Navy markings 0552/923/7697 with the Broad Arrow and 4**/76, the inside is stamped 5513 and further stamped with the repeat of the serial number 382****

The ‘serif' matt dial has the original creamy yellow lume markers with the ‘T' within a circle, the steel service ‘Mercedes hands are possibly original but this also comes with a really good set of modern dagger hands with matching lume.

This particular Milsub is a wonderful example - it has the correct military engravings on the case back indicating it was issued to the Royal Navy in 1976 together with it's own unique issue number. It also has the correct serial number repeat-stamped on the inside of the case back just above the 5513 reference number. The lugs have fixed Milsub bars. The case has not been polished at any time and the lugs still retain their very gentle original chamfer. The hands, that came with this watch when we bought it, are the ‘Mercedes' standard-issue Rolex hands, they are very clearly old hands with old lume and considerable degradation to the chrome finish, the seconds hand has been relumed – there are apparently recorded milsubs with original Mercedes hands and if ever there could be a pair that may be original then this watch could be a case in point – however let's be pragmatic and assume they're ‘service' hands. Meanwhile we have sourced a newaged set of dagger hands that look the part because it's fun to be able to have the best of both words – at half the price! The bezel insert is a really good typical fat font standard issue insert – again, just as with the Mercedes hands, it's possible the insert is original, but to be pragmatic we have to assume it's a service insert – again we have sourced a modern replacement with all-round hash markings as per the Milsub spec – just for a bit of fun. THE MILSUB The Rolex military submariner with special spec to the Royal Navy's design was never available for public sale. They were created, manufactured and distributed solely for military use. They were used by both clearance divers who engaged in mine clearing and by the Special Boat Service. It is thought there were only approx. 1200 made in the 1970's, of which perhaps only 200 have survived their military service. Rolex used three reference numbers for the Milsub; the earlier examples being 5513 like the present watch. Famously the Royal Navy insisted upon special specification and it's these quirks that make the Milsub instantly recognisable; 1. A 600 ft. = 200m matt dial with circled T – denoting the use of Tritium within the luminous compound 2. Sword or gladiator Hands – for greater visibility – although there are apparently recorded examples which used Mercedes hands 3. A continually graduated 60-minute bezel – for more accurate measurement of time underwater – although there are apparently recorded examples with standard Rolex inserts. 4. Fixed lug bars – for enhanced durability, to be used in conjunction with an NATO strap 5. Military case back engravings indicating crown property with their unique issue number