Rolex 5517

Rolex Ref. 5517 inside caseback stamped 5'339'749 An extremely rare and well-preserved stainless steel military wristwatch made for the British Royal Navy

Manufacturer : Rolex Year : Circa 1978 Reference No : 5517 inside caseback stamped 5'339'749 Case No : 5'339'749 Model Name : Military Submariner "Milsub Material : Stainless steel Calibre : Automatic, cal. 1520, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap : NATO Clasp/Buckle : Stainless steel buckle Dimensions : 39mm Diameter Signed : Case, dial and movement signed, outside caseback with Military Number 0552/923-7697 691/77 Accessories : Accompanied by Rolex service guarantee dated December 13, 2007, photos of the original owner, Royal Navy Diver's Log and Diver Certificate of CPO B W McNeil In the 1970s, the British Ministry of Defense (MOD) commissioned Rolex for a watch with specific military specifications to be worn by its officers. Their requirements included fixed spring bars welded to the lugs which prevented the fitting of a reflective bracelet, a nylon strap (by contract from the Phoenix company), a 60-minute bezel insert, large sword-shaped hands, and a luminous dial. In addition, the MOD required that dials be marked with an encircled “T” indicating the use of luminescent tritium. Three references were assigned to the Military Submariner - the reference 5513, 5513/5517 and 5517. While the reference 5513 was a modified version of the existing Submariner model, the reference 5517 was specifically created for military use and was not commercially available. As such, the reference 5517 (such as the present watch) is the most sought-after variant of the three existing models. The present watch is fitted with a "Maxi" dial which is correct. Another noticeable difference between the military and civilian models are their case back engravings – the present lot marked with the "0552" code for British Royal Navy, "923-7697", the NATO code, followed by the issue number. The inside case back on this watch is repeated with the serial number, which is correct for a special order watch. Interestingly, the present watch is accompanied by the Dive Log of the original owner, as well as images of him and his Diving Instructor Certificate, providing historical insight.