Rolex Milsub 5513

[TheRolexKingofLV]

That's a great story, wow!

[fmc000]

A quick request to the OP: when you have time would you mind posting a pic with the watch and all the material that your dad left to you? That will be a great reference for everyone.

Is like to add my congratulations for your watch and your attitude towards it.

[BlackBay1]

A big thank you to the OP for sharing this with the forum, what a wonderful piece of family history for you to have.

[dysondiver]

fantastic watch , but the history is beyond that ,,, wear it with pride.
and health to wear it.

[crl848]

Very nice. Were the hands replaced by the MOD or in civi life?

[HerbieTheDog]

Originally Posted by crl848

Very nice. Were the hands replaced by the MOD or in civi life?

Not 100% but I believe it's always had Mercedes hands.

Maybe one of the experts can confirm if they were issued with Mercedes hands as well as sword.

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[Haywood_Milton]

No question: the watch will have had sword hands when first supplied to the MOD.

Haywood

[HerbieTheDog]

In that case they would have been replaced by the MOD as the watch definately had Mercedes hands as far back as I can remember.

My dad left the RN in '89 but I can search through some photos to try and get a date when they were changed.

This watch literally has changed my life! This time last week I thought I had a strapless, knackered timepeice.

The last few days have lead me on a history trip that has amazed and inspired me. That trip may have started with turning over to the Antiques Roadshow just at the right time but a big thank must go out to everyone who has responded to my first post.

Everyday I find out something new about the watch or the work my old man used to do as both a clearance diver and ship's diver.

All around Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Magical. Thank you all.

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[scooba]

Originally Posted by HerbieTheDog

In that case they would have been replaced by the MOD as the watch definately had Mercedes hands as far back as I can remember.

My dad left the RN in '89 but I can search through some photos to try and get a date when they were changed.

This watch literally has changed my life! This time last week I thought I had a strapless, knackered timepeice.

The last few days have lead me on a history trip that has amazed and inspired me. That trip may have started with turning over to the Antiques Roadshow just at the right time but a big thank must go out to everyone who has responded to my first post.

Everyday I find out something new about the watch or the work my old man used to do as both a clearance diver and ship's diver.

All around Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Magical. Thank you all.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

I am really chuffed for you ,Clearly this old watch means more than just the money to you , Well done and thanks for sharing the story and the pics.

[jedly1]

Top story , you are one of a few original owners / next generation. I know who are lucky enough to be able to keep their watches and there really is nothing better!!!

All Milsubs were first delivered with swords but it's pretty apparent that they aren't the best made hands , they are very prone to the lume cracking and dropping out , the boss's on the hands seem very thin and can 'slacken ' really easily plus the tubes fitted on the seconds hands are rubbish , so yes many many watches had Mercedes hands fitted legitimately by Mod watchmakers more interested in making the thing work as fast as possible than staying ' spec corrrect'

[TheBluePrince]

Great story to hear, thanks for sharing it and your Dad's watch, Herbie.

These things have the habbit of popping up in the weirdest places.....the last one I saw was with a guy in Bangkok a couple of months ago (yes, absolutely authentic without doubt before anyone wonders because of the dubious location). A lot of these watches must be scattered far and wide now, ex mil men often retire and resettle overseas, it's great to see them pop up in the UK still too.

[Wing Zero]

Awesome watch and an Awesome Story to boot. I live for these re-discovered treasures.

[JimSnyder]

Great story, what this place is about

[fmc000]

Great info, thank you.

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[SearChart]

What an incredible piece to inherit!

[artschool]

a wonderful thread to read over a late breakfast.

thank you to the OP for sharing his wonderful find.

your father sounds like he was a top bloke.

[Storky]

Great story and an enjoyable informative read!

[scooba]

Your Mail Box is full ,

But replied to your PM

[eco8gator]

A watch worth 6 figures (and the value is only increasing) and it sounds like you plan on wearing it...good for you.

[studioal]

Wow, what an incredible read and what a serendipitous channel flip to Antiques Roadshow. You have a very special watch (I don't need to tell you that) and it's neat to hear that you're keeping it.

[NeedlessKane]

You are wearing my true grail watch and what's better is that you have history to go along with it.

Wear the hell out of that thing man, never sell it.

I would talk to your dad and come up with a "history" packet with pictures, anecdotes, etc and just have it to go with the watch.


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[scooba]

Simons story is so similar to Mikes

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=411267



Mike sat on his uncles watch for 19years thinking it was worth £500 , It is with a collector now , Talking with Mike his uncle paid £64 for the watch in 1964 and negotiated a 10 shillings discount £64 pounds in 1964 !


I love stories like this

[strafer_kid]

Brilliant story!