Full Spec 5513/7 (5515) Double reference Milsub fresh from RSC

General

Any milsub is rare...but a good full spec 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.

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 180 double reference watches produced.


...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 what beautiful light nylon marks from 35 year of wear that strap has left over the issue engravings

Dial

so called smudge crown or 'pre comex' dial with circle T denoting tritium

Bracelet

none nato dive strap only

Accessories

Full Rolex warranty having just returned from service and inspection . The Watch has been checked with the records and is confirmed correct.