Rolex Submariner 5514

Rolex | Submariner "Comex", Reference 5514, Formerly the property of Comex agent Maurice Bessard, A stainless steel wristwatch with date, helium escape valve and bracelet, Circa 1977 | 勞力士 | Submariner "Comex" 型號5514，前 COMEX 專員 Maurice Bessard 所有 精鋼鏈帶腕錶，備日期顯示及排氦閥門，約1977年製

Property from an Important Private Collector Rolex 勞力士 Submariner "Comex", Reference 5514, Formerly the property of Comex agent Maurice Bessard A stainless steel wristwatch with date, helium escape valve and bracelet, Circa 1977 Submariner "Comex" 型號5514，前 COMEX 專員 Maurice Bessard 所有 精鋼鏈帶腕錶，備日期顯示及排氦閥門，約1977年製 附帶 Comex 證件及保養收據 Dial: black Calibre: cal. 1520 automatic, 26 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw down case back, inside case back stamped 5513 Case number: 4'462'758, Comex issue number 850 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and double folding clasp Size: 39 mm width, bracelet circumference approximately 195 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Comex identity card for Maurice Bessard Agent no. 16.0554 and a Rolex France service receipt signed and dated by Maurice BessardRolex | Submariner "Comex", Reference 5514, Formerly the property of Comex agent Maurice Bessard, A stainless steel wristwatch with date, helium escape valve and bracelet, Circa 1977 | 勞力士 | Submariner "Comex" 型號5514，前 COMEX 專員 Maurice Bessard 所有 精鋼鏈帶腕錶，備日期顯示及排氦閥門，約1977年製 Rolex | Submariner "Comex", Reference 5514, Formerly the property of Comex agent Maurice Bessard, A stainless steel wristwatch with date, helium escape valve and bracelet, Circa 1977 | 勞力士 | Submariner "Comex" 型號5514，前 COMEX 專員 Maurice Bessard 所有 精鋼鏈帶腕錶，備日期顯示及排氦閥門，約1977年製 Estimate: 500,000 - 800,000 HKD Lot sold: 819,000 HKD Property from an Important Private Collector Rolex 勞力士 Submariner "Comex", Reference 5514, Formerly the property of Comex agent Maurice Bessard A stainless steel wristwatch with date, helium escape valve and bracelet, Circa 1977 Submariner "Comex" 型號5514，前 COMEX 專員 Maurice Bessard 所有 精鋼鏈帶腕錶，備日期顯示及排氦閥門，約1977年製 附帶 Comex 證件及保養收據 Dial: black Calibre: cal. 1520 automatic, 26 jewels Case: stainless steel, screw down case back, inside case back stamped 5513 Case number: 4'462'758, Comex issue number 850 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and double folding clasp Size: 39 mm width, bracelet circumference approximately 195 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Comex identity card for Maurice Bessard Agent no. 16.0554 and a Rolex France service receipt signed and dated by Maurice Bessard Condition report The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. Like all Rolex sports watches, they were designed and made to be used in extreme situations. The Comex officers Maurice Bessard had his watch serviced by Rolex in France in 2003. This service receipt is accompanied with the watch and signed by Bessard. Rolex replaced the original case number 5'230'262 with the present service case. The dial is in very good condition. The lumes have aged to an ivory white that match the hands. The case is in crisp condition with surface wear throughout which is consistent with the age of the watch. There are 2 minor dings to the band. The number between the lugs are crisp and easy to read. The case back with inscription and very crisp milled edge. The bracelet with surface wear throughout that can be seen with the naked eye. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue. "In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE." **Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping. " For another example of a reference 5514 Comex, please see Vintage Rolex Sports Model by Martin Skeet and Nick Urul, page 53. In the mid 1970s, Comex ordered a second batch of Submariners from Rolex, fitted with a one way pressure relief valve. This batch of watches was given the new reference number 5514 and they were produced in roughly 150 pieces. In addition, Comex was stamped on the dial and the case back was engraved with the Comex issue number. The present example is very appealing. The watch used to belong to Comex agent Maurice Bessard, agent no. 16.0554. The watch further accompanied by a Rolex France service paper that is also signed by the agent. The lumes have aged to an ivory white and match perfectly with the hands. The case is in very crisp and original condition with very crisp numbers between the lugs. Consigned by a very important collector, this is a premium example of Comex 5514.