Please read this description carefully before proceeding with the purchase. My philosophy has always been to describe every watch with complete transparency, ensuring that the buyer is fully informed and aware of exactly what they are purchasing.
Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 watches issued to the British Royal Navy are among the rarest and most sought-after military timepieces among vintage Rolex collectors. They were produced in extremely limited numbers, and very few examples have survived to the present day, mainly because of the demanding operational conditions in which they were used. Furthermore, once acquired by important collectors, they rarely return to the market.
The so-called “MilSubs” feature specific characteristics required by the British Royal Navy: a dial bearing a “T” to indicate the use of tritium, sword-shaped hands, a distinctive fully graduated bezel insert, a case back engraved with military issue markings, and fixed bars soldered between the lugs. To be considered “Full Spec”, an example must retain all these features in their original and unaltered configuration. However, due to the demanding conditions in which these watches were used, very few have survived in this configuration.
The watch offered here retains important elements of its original military configuration but underwent several modifications over the years. In particular, the sword-shaped hands and military bezel insert were replaced with their civilian counterparts, while the original military issue markings engraved on the case back were removed.
These modifications were often carried out in the past, when the military characteristics of these watches were not yet appreciated as they are today and could therefore be removed or replaced.
Nevertheless, some of the watch’s most important and distinctive features remain: the rare “Pre-COMEX” dial bearing the “T”, which is original and consistent with the case serial number; the original fixed bars; and the case number correctly repeated inside the case back.
The watch is in good overall condition. The case has been polished over the years, while the dial displays minor signs of moisture exposure, which I have deliberately highlighted in the photographs. The movement is running correctly and shows no evident defects.
Considering that genuine “Full Spec” examples can reach or exceed €150,000, this Submariner represents an interesting opportunity to enter the world of military Rolex watches at a significantly more accessible price. It may be regarded either as an interesting “project watch”, potentially to be completed over time, or as a special watch with a genuinely eventful history, suitable for everyday wear.