Rolex Submariner 5514

Submariner ‘COMEX’, Reference 5514 | A stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet and helium escape valve made for the Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise | Circa 1975 Rolex

Dial: black, Comex logo Calibre: cal. 1520 automatic, 26 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back Case number: 4’089’874 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and ‘Patent Pending’ clasp Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 200 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Box: no Papers: no Accessories: Rolex service warranty date September 2012, service booklet, service invoice and associated travel caseCOMEX, short for "Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises," is a French diving company often referred to as the NASA of deep-sea exploration. From 1970 to 1997, COMEX collaborated with Rolex to create the ultimate dive watch. During this partnership, Rolex developed nine different COMEX models, references 5513, 5514, 1665, 1680, 16660, 16800, 16610, 168000, 16600—in both Submariner and Sea-Dweller series. The 5514 is the least produced model among all of them. According to the Rolex book, it is believed that only a total of 1,618 reference 5514 watches were ever produced. The 5514 models were a special batch of watches made exclusively for COMEX and its divers, never available for retail sale. They were produced following successful testing of the 5513 model with a helium escape valve (HEV), after which COMEX placed a special order for these watches. Having undergone rigorous testing in extremely challenging conditions, only a small number of these watches have survived without damage over time. Consequently, finding one in such beautiful condition is a privilege. This particular model is from 1974, it underwent only one service in its lifetime in 2012. It was previously owned by a prominent COMEX specialist from Australia and was sent to Rolex for servicing, which confirmed it as a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Comex Submariner on the invoice. This is quite a rare occurrence, as there is usually no mention of COMEX in the documentation. This watch is entirely authentic, with period-correct numbers, making it an excellent find.