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shedlock2000 · 24 May 2008, 10:05 AM

Hi folks, i have read a few posts and the millsub has appeared a coulple of times, cna you tell me the difference between this and other subs please?

I understand it has soldered pins, thicker and a domed crystal, anything elce?

mike · 24 May 2008, 10:29 AM

Steve, in a nutshell mil subs refer to a series of Rolex watches issued to and used by certain British Military units including the British Royal Marines during the early to late 70s (though some noted collectors feel these watches were in service well into the 80s).

The watches were modified per request with gladiator hands, a modified seconds hand, full minute track bezel, and a dial with larger indices. The dials also had a circleT.

Most, I believe, were either reference 5513s or reference 5517s with 1520 hacking movements and of course specific military markings/numbers on the back.

The watches were modified, per request, with fixed spring bars as standard springbars wern't felt to be strong enough. Because of this the watches used cloth straps--a tactically sound modification.

Interestingly, the old Rolex website gave some great information as to the extensive testing the British carried out on these watches including several dives with the crown unscrewed with no ill effects. Sadly the new site omits such an important piece of Rolex history.

Because of the incredible value these watches have--in many ways rivaling COMEX in their history, they have become a favorite target of fakers and those dealing in these references understandably protect much of the information about these pieces.

They are, to the well heeled, knowledgeable collector one of the grails of a bygone era.

These are NOT my photos, but some I keep as reference. I do not know the owner.

Lol-x · 24 May 2008, 10:40 AM

Mike has given an excellent explanation.

Suffice to say these watch are now extremely rare and expensive. For example a new set of original hands could easily cost $15,000 and that is just for the 3 hands.

Letsgodiving · 24 May 2008, 10:40 AM

A pretty good article on them:

http://www.doubleredseadweller.com/mil_sub.htm

mike · 24 May 2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Letsgodiving

A pretty good article on them:

http://www.doubleredseadweller.com/mil_sub.htm

X2

Ed's site is a "must bookmark" for the collector.

SPACE-DWELLER · 25 May 2008, 12:01 AM

As always, GREAT information, Mike!

Thanks for sharing!

mickeydainish · 25 May 2008, 12:12 AM

Thanx Mike.... great link. :-)

Trurolexer · 25 May 2008, 12:37 AM

Nice info Mike, as always!!! And another Mike (Letsgodiving), nice site!!!

jac67 · 25 May 2008, 11:24 AM

Mike's pretty well summed it up!

BTW, that second picture Mike is PB's MilSub.

John.

mike · 25 May 2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jac67

Mike's pretty well summed it up!

BTW, that second picture Mike is PB's MilSub.

John.

Thanks John. Now I have a name to credit it to.

24 May 2008, 10:05 AM	#1
shedlock2000 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Steve Location: Canada Watch: 16753; Bellini Dia Posts: 1,770	Millsub, explaination please Hi folks, i have read a few posts and the millsub has appeared a coulple of times, cna you tell me the difference between this and other subs please? I understand it has soldered pins, thicker and a domed crystal, anything elce? __________________ The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it. SS Submariner no date 1992 (sold); SS GMT II 2007 (sold); SS GMT II C 2008 ('M' series) (sold); SS Sub C 2011 (sold); BB GMT 1971 (sold); Omega 50th GMT Last edited by shedlock2000; 24 May 2008 at 10:06 AM.. Reason: er..... guess

24 May 2008, 10:40 AM	#3
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,593	Mike has given an excellent explanation. Suffice to say these watch are now extremely rare and expensive. For example a new set of original hands could easily cost $15,000 and that is just for the 3 hands. __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

24 May 2008, 10:40 AM	#4
Letsgodiving "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Mike Location: Virginia, US Watch: SD 16600 Posts: 4,319	A pretty good article on them: http://www.doubleredseadweller.com/mil_sub.htm __________________ The fool, with all his other faults, has this also - he is always getting ready to live. - Epicurus (341–270 BC)

25 May 2008, 12:01 AM	#6
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	As always, GREAT information, Mike! Thanks for sharing! __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

24 May 2008, 10:29 AM	#2
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Steve, in a nutshell mil subs refer to a series of Rolex watches issued to and used by certain British Military units including the British Royal Marines during the early to late 70s (though some noted collectors feel these watches were in service well into the 80s). The watches were modified per request with gladiator hands, a modified seconds hand, full minute track bezel, and a dial with larger indices. The dials also had a circleT. Most, I believe, were either reference 5513s or reference 5517s with 1520 hacking movements and of course specific military markings/numbers on the back. The watches were modified, per request, with fixed spring bars as standard springbars wern't felt to be strong enough. Because of this the watches used cloth straps--a tactically sound modification. Interestingly, the old Rolex website gave some great information as to the extensive testing the British carried out on these watches including several dives with the crown unscrewed with no ill effects. Sadly the new site omits such an important piece of Rolex history. Because of the incredible value these watches have--in many ways rivaling COMEX in their history, they have become a favorite target of fakers and those dealing in these references understandably protect much of the information about these pieces. They are, to the well heeled, knowledgeable collector one of the grails of a bygone era. These are NOT my photos, but some I keep as reference. I do not know the owner.

25 May 2008, 12:12 AM	#7
mickeydainish Banned Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Michael Location: LaLa Land Watch: Sub Date 16610 Posts: 1,757	Thanx Mike.... great link. :-)

25 May 2008, 12:37 AM	#8
Trurolexer Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: USA Watch: 5513MaxiI+PreComex Posts: 18,421	Nice info Mike, as always!!! And another Mike (Letsgodiving), nice site!!!

25 May 2008, 11:24 AM	#9
jac67 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: John Location: Australia Watch: Me Posts: 1,950	Mike's pretty well summed it up! BTW, that second picture Mike is PB's MilSub. John.

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