Rolex Submariner "Comex", Reference 5514 | A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, Made for COMEX, Circa 1975 | 勞力士 | Submariner "Comex" 型號5514 | 精鋼鏈帶腕錶，為 COMEX 而製，約1975年製
Rolex
Submariner "Comex", Reference 5514
A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, Made for COMEX, Circa 1975
勞力士
Submariner "Comex" 型號5514
精鋼鏈帶腕錶，為 COMEX 而製，約1975年製
Dial: black
Calibre: cal. 1520 automatic, 26 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw down case back
Case number: 3'804'848
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 175 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement, dial further signed COMEX
Accessories: noneRolex Rolex Submariner "Comex", Reference 5514 | A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, Made for COMEX, Circa 1975 | 勞力士 | Submariner "Comex" 型號5514 | 精鋼鏈帶腕錶，為 COMEX 而製，約1975年製
Submariner "Comex", Reference 5514 | A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, Made for COMEX, Circa 1975 | 勞力士 | Submariner "Comex" 型號5514 | 精鋼鏈帶腕錶，為 COMEX 而製，約1975年製
Estimate:
400,000 - 600,000 HKD Rolex
Submariner "Comex", Reference 5514
A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, Made for COMEX, Circa 1975
勞力士
Submariner "Comex" 型號5514
精鋼鏈帶腕錶，為 COMEX 而製，約1975年製
Dial: black
Calibre: cal. 1520 automatic, 26 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw down case back
Case number: 3'804'848
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 175 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement, dial further signed COMEX
Accessories: none Condition report
The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The plexi glass with minor signs of surface wear, only visible under a strong loupe. The hands and the pearl at 12 o'clock have been replaced during the past servicing. The lumes on the dial have faded into a consistent ivory color due to aging. The case and the bracelet with minor signs of surface wear throughout, signs of a light polishing from the past servicing. The case back is replaced during a service and is stamped 5512 with no other Comex engravings. Overall the watch is in very good condition considering its age.
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. " While it is utterly undisputed that Rolex is well renowned for their collection of modern watches, their versatility and sturdy history, too, makes them a brand highly celebrated for collectable vintage timepieces. Among Rolex’s most famed watches are those made in partnership with COMEX. A French diving company founded by Henri Germain Delauze in 1961, COMEX and Rolex came into union in 1970 under a shared motive—to reach new, unprecedented depths in the underwater world.
Rolex hit the ground running first in 1967 with the release of the first watch to ever be equipped with a helium escape valve. This new technology, though, needed to be refined and professionally tested—this is where COMEX came into the picture. The Rolex-COMEX strategic partnership consisted of Rolex providing COMEX with watches from their Submariner and Sea-Dweller series entirely free of cost and, in return, COMEX would send Rolex detailed performance reports and analyses.
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.
