Rolex - The Watch Auction: One Geneva Saturday, May 9, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 5514, stamped 5513 inside the case back
    Case No: 5'228'358
    Model Name: Submariner, "Comex"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1520
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex Oyster
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding flip lock deployant clasp with extension links, end links stamped 580
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Movement, dial, case and bracelet signed, case back further stamped with Comex issue number 897
    Accessories: Rolex pouch
    Literature: Examples of Rolex COMEX references 5513 and 5514 see 100 Years of Rolex, 1908-2008 by Franca and Guido Mondani, p. 131.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Submariner reference 5514 was specifically developed by Rolex for Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise or “COMEX”, a diving operation within the oil industry. A special gas escape value was fitted to the watch to release pressure from the case during the divers decompression.The “COMEX” offered here is part of the family of some of the rarest Submariner models. All “COMEX” watches were reserved exclusively for the firm and never available to the public for commercial production.The present watch stands out by its original overall condition. The luminous material applied to the numerals has taken on an attractive warm yellow tone from ageing which is consistent with the hands. The bracelet, reference 93150, fitted to the watch is also original and correct for the reference 5514.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

    View More Works

75

Ref. 5514, stamped 5513 inside the case back
A fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with centre seconds, bracelet and gas escape valve, made for Comex

1977
39mm. Diameter
Movement, dial, case and bracelet signed, case back further stamped with Comex issue number 897

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 80,000 

Sold for CHF87,500

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Watch Auction: One

Geneva Auction 10 May 2015 6:30pm