In the 1970s, the British Ministry of Defense (MOD) commissioned Rolex for a watch with specific military specifications to be worn by its officers. Their requirements included fixed spring bars welded to the lugs which prevented the fitting of a reflective bracelet, a nylon strap (by contract from the Phoenix company), a 60-minute bezel insert, large sword-shaped hands, and a luminous dial. In addition, the MOD required that dials be marked with an encircled “T” indicating the use of luminescent tritium.
Three references were assigned to the Military Submariner - the reference 5513, 5513/5517 and 5517. While the reference 5513 was a modified version of the existing Submariner model, the reference 5517 was specifically created for military use and was not commercially available. As such, the reference 5517 (such as the present watch) is the most sought-after variant of the three existing models. The present watch is fitted with a "Maxi" dial which is correct.
Another noticeable difference between the military and civilian models are their case back engravings – the present lot marked with the "0552" code for British Royal Navy, "923-7697", the NATO code, followed by the issue number. The inside case back on this watch is repeated with the serial number, which is correct for a special order watch.
Yet, the present watch represents more than just a well-preserved military submariner – it is a story about two extra-ordinary Rolex Military Submariners reference 5517s who have crossed paths during its almost half a century lifespan.
It is common knowledge that the British Special Air Service (SAS) , on return from military covert missions, submitted their Rolex military Submariners to be returned to the stock room and then serviced and ready for the next mission. It also has been rumoured that during these routine services, case backs through lack of care and attention were interchanged due to the fact that they look very similar - the appearance of the present watch is proof that this really did occur.
The two watches in question are the following, both previously sold at the same auction house, within the same year:
1) Rolex Military Submariner ref 5517 serial number 5339667, the case back with engraving Issue number 835/78 and inside case number 5339749 with Maxi dial
2) Rolex Military Submariner ref 5517 serial number 5339749, and case back engraving polished off but with intact inside caseback number 5339667 with Maxi dial.
Both watches were recently purchased by the current consignor, who subsequently reunited both correct cases and inside casebacks. Today, we offer the Rolex Military Submariner ref 5517 serial number 5339749 with the correct re-united case back. The consigner has also added an original military 60-minute bezel insert, a NOS Military Maxi dial and has had the original military sword hands professionally re lumed with original tritium of the period to match the dial and to bring the timepiece back to how it should be to its original glory.
The present watch is accompanied by a period Dive Log, as well as images and his Diving Instructor Certificate, providing historical insight but please note they are not associated to the watch but with the other Rolex Military Submariner ref 5517 serial 5339667.
