Exceptional Double Reference Military Submariner 5513/7

General

*** currently at service***

Any milsub is rare...but a good problem free double reference is ridiculously hard to find (and often proves the hardest step when putting the full set together), especially a navy issue one from the first batch of double references. This example is one of the earliest known and is a top drawer no excuses example featuring the 5517 style dial first seen in this batch, a totally unpolished fat case with all battle scars still in place , medium patina and full specification.

Rolex initially supplied converted model reference 5513 to the British Ministry of defence from 1972 onwards, but in 1977 they produced the so called double reference, a model carrying the 5513 code between the lugs, but additionally the 5517 reference code engraved on the rear of one lug. In total there were approximately 150 double reference watches produced, from my research there are less than 20 of these watches left in full original specification making it one of the rarest and sought after of the Rolex tool watches.


...what are you waiting for...NOT to be confused with a 5513 milsub ... one of a batch of 80 originally supplied in 1977 to the Royal Navy and with only a very small number surviving in some of the most notable collections around the world.


For those new to the milsub, throughout the 1970's the Rolex Watch Company supplied the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) with a unique divers watch, the specifically designed Military submariner. The watch was designed with certain unique features to meet the MOD purchasing specification and to supersede and improve on the Omega 300 as the MOD's divers watch of choice. These features include;

- Over sized gladiator sword hands for increased luminous visibility
- Full 60 minute marked bezel for addition countdown time showing nice aged patina
- Fixed case bars for extra durability
- Dial marked with a 'circle T' to denote the tritium used in the dial construction
- Engravings to denote the piece as property of the Crown
- Engravings to denote the unique stores numbers of the piece

Due to a high rate of attrition, disposal by the MOD and a decade of dealers 'restoring' these watches to civilian standards there is only a fraction of the original 1000 or so supplied left in existence, of this there is an even smaller number that retain the full original specification and have not lost their original features to servicing needs.

Case

40mm stainless steel oyster case with fixed case bars. All engravings super strong and cleart no evidence of ever being worn on anything other than a nylon nato style strap ...and what beautiful light nylon marks from 35 year of wear that strap has left over the issue engravings

Dial

5517 style 'smudge crown' dial with circle T .

Bracelet

None...supplied with the original Nylon strap that has faded from charcoal to almost green over the years and has eroded the rhodium plate form the buckle fittings to leave the brassy almost gold look. ( supplied also with a new Nato strap)

Accessories

Rolex confirmation and Service warranty dated 2013.