When it comes to professional timepieces that journeyed with mankind to unlock into the world of the unknown, Rolex is certainly the most repute frontiers of these voyages. Engineered to be the most reliable tool to challenge the extremes, from the deepest reaches of the ocean to summiting the highest mountains, Rolex was often known to partner with institutions and expertise to create ever-evolving innovations to push the boundaries of human potentials. One of the most celebrated and historically significant collaborators of which collectors yearn for is the Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises, COMEX. Appointed as the official timekeeper for COMEX in 1971, the development lead to the feature of a helium escape valve (HEV) that was a key success to conquering deeper depths to the bottom of the sea.

The Submariner reference 5513 was among one of the earliest coronet timepieces that was issued to professional COMEX divers to be fitted with a HEV. Issued between 1971 to 1973, the Submariner reference had a total of approximately only 250 pieces ranging from 2.83 to 3.53 million serial. These early utilitarian tool watches feature a stamped caseback with both Rolex and COMEX logo, as well as individual engraving numbered unique to each diver. Consigned directly by the original owner and COMEX diver, Mr. Rex Whistler, the present ‘non-logo’ 5513 Submariner numbered 240 is from the very last issued batch, and is one of the rarest of all.

Joining COMEX in the spring of 1973 at the age of 24, Rex Whistler began his diving training at COMEX, Marseilles. Gaining technical expertise in bell diving and physiology and was qualified as Superintendent and Caisson Master at the company. Mr. Whistler was part of a team that support saturation work for construction projects, drilling operations and experimental dives to develop commercial decompression tables primarily in the North Sea and Norway. The present 5513 was not only a constant companion throughout his diving career, it is also the very timepiece that journeyed with him into new depths up to 160 meters among many of his expeditions. Each dive documented into his personal professional diver’s log book, the present lot is offered with the black hard cover bound history of Mr. Whistler’s expertise.

Before retiring in 2012, Mr Whistler’s career took him from South East Asia, to the North Sea and whilst working as the Training Director for Prodive Ltd, he found time to co-author the Commercial Diving Manual, the standard textbook for commercial diving training in the UK, a reference book that is still in use today and an autographed copy of which is included with this historically important timepiece. A symbol of endurance and passion, and further charmed with the personal properties from the original owner. This admirable 5513 is preserved in excellent condition, and most definitely a true time capsule piece with a man's life story behind, which makes it exceptional collectible for any vintage lovers.