My Grandads Comex Oyster Perpetual Submariner.....

[Andyb83]

Hi Everyone!

This is my first post to the forum, and i hope ive got the right thread!

Ive been researching my grandads old Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner, and have come to find some of the comexs are quite rare and was wondering if anyone could shed any more light about the watch as i cant find any which look quite like this one!

The detail are basically this : A Rolex Oyster perpetual Submariner, 660ft - 200m. It has swiss t<25 written at the bottom of the face, but doesnt have comex anywhere on the front. On the rear it has in big letters Rolex and Comex, and underneath a lot smaller the number 118. It also has what a believe to be a helium release valve, and the braclet is stamped with the numbers 9315 and 280?

Im currently at work, but ill get some pictures on here as soon as i can. Thanks for any info in advance

[ralpie]

Pics willl help when you can, also have a qualified person take off the bracelet and check the numbers between the lugs. That should help the pros here identify your watch!

[SPARTAN2161]

Nice Find! Can't wait for pics!

[Andyb83]

Found some pics on my phone i had taken. Hope this helps!

[azguy]

Without pictures we are just guessing

[Andyb83]

Ive just posted some pics they are waiting to be approved by a mod. Should be up soon im guessing?

[pdoukas]

I'm sure Mike and Jed are monitoring this thread. As soon as though images pop up someone will chime in.

[Andyb83]

Thanks to whoever sorted the pics! What does everyone think? Im hoping ive got something rare

[jjkapsberger]

Comex Subs usually have "Comex" on the dial. But some don't. Looks like a 5514.

Very valuable if all the right parts are original.

Enjoy.

[Andyb83]

Like i said i have no idea about the watch, ive just been passed it down from my grandad. I know he was diver with comex, but that is about my complete knowledge of it. Oh and he nearly died with it on! (Thats where the scratch is from)

[Alexus]

If it is a real thing...wow...

[Andyb83]

Originally Posted by Alexus

If it is a real thing...wow...

Wow sounds good. Am i right to think this is very rare then?

[kyle L]

Not an expert, but I think it's a 5514. Here's another example.

http://10pastten.com/inventory/detai...?item_id=TA420

And some info:

http://www.doubleredseadweller.com/comex_5514.htm

[Alexus]

Originally Posted by Andyb83

Wow sounds good. Am i right to think this is very rare then?

Could be, but for sure the Pros need an Insight of the Movement I guess and the Serial (Pics between the Lugs without the bracelet)

[Andyb83]

Originally Posted by kyle L

Not an expert, but I think it's a 5514. Here's another example.

http://10pastten.com/inventory/detai...?item_id=TA420

And some info:

http://www.doubleredseadweller.com/comex_5514.htm

Thank you very much for this! its the first time ive seen another one let alone read a piece on the same watch. So from what i can gather this is a early 5514 made specifically for comex, and im assuming the comex free dial is quite sort after as most have it on it?

[AzPaul]

The watch looks nice but the fingernails could use a little work

[linesiders]

Prepare to start receiving offers to buy it

Don't sell it for the world - you are very fortunate to be able to take that on for your granddad.

No matter what you do, please do not send it out to someone tomorrow to clean it or to Rolex for a service. Leave it just the way it is until you've digested what the best way to move forward is.

And for Pete's Sake, don't take it on a Pub Crawl on the seedy side of town. Yet.

[T-Rip]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Prepare to start receiving offers to buy it

Don't sell it for the world - you are very fortunate to be able to take that on for your granddad.

No matter what you do, please do not send it out to someone tomorrow to clean it or to Rolex for a service. Leave it just the way it is until you've digested what the best way to move forward is.

And for Pete's Sake, don't take it on a Pub Crawl on the seedy side of town. Yet.

Good advice.... what do you think it is worth?

[Submarino]

My best guess is like $60K since it lacks of the Comex dial, granted that the numbers on the case and everything else confirms it's truly a Comex.

[kyle L]

If you type in Rolex 5514 you should get a bunch of past listings:

http://catalog.antiquorum.com/catalog.html

[Andrés G]

A similar watch was auctioned by Antiquorium earlier this year. http://www.watchtock.com/blog/four-r...-dive-watches/

The lot had an estimated value of $26,000 to $34,000. Here's the link http://catalog.antiquorum.com/catalog.html#dummy

The OP's watch should have a higher price since this one does not have the original Comex caseback, with the Comex serial number on it.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by T-Rip

Good advice.... what do you think it is worth?

The watch or the Pub Crawl?

On the watch I could not tell you other than if legit (and it looks so but I am far from expert) it is out of my league. But if my Grandfather passed that down to me, it would be priceless .

One the Pub Crawl? I don't remember but my friends tell me it was good.

[964RS]

You have to remember their is a significant difference in value between a 5513 Comex and a 5514 Comex.

This is probably a 5513 Comex...but of course it is very easy to find out.

Then of course there is a significant difference between a 5513 Comex with original logo dial and a 5513 Comex without logo dial.

If it is as I expect a 5513 Comex and all checks out then its not going to be $60,000.....but $30,000 on a good day maybe :)

[Mike Wood]

Looks like you've inherited a nice and interesting Rolex Submariner.

The watch will be a reference 5513 with a case number 2.83m, fitted with the helium gas escape valve, supplied to the Comex diving organisation in the early 1970s.

The watch started life with a non-Comex logo dial and mercedes pattern hands, and the only Comex markings are the engravings on the case back, along with the Comex issue number.

The most desirable Comex watches are fitted with the Comex logo dial (it's very satisfying to look at the face of the watch and see the comex marking beaming back, rather than wearing your watch backwards!!).

Sadly, Comex logo dials are no longer obtainable, now obsolete from Rolex (and don't even think about buying a $300 fake one from eBay ). A correct, period, matt Comex logo dial for a 5513 / 5514 will cost up to £30k if you can find one!!

As your watch stands, the saleable value is around £15k... dive log books and Comex emphemera associated to the watch will add interest and value...

Mike Wood

[Silvio Mosiello]

Originally Posted by Mike Wood

Looks like you've inherited a nice and interesting Rolex Submariner.

The watch will be a reference 5513 with a case number 2.83m, fitted with the helium gas escape valve, supplied to the Comex diving organisation in the early 1970s.

The watch started life with a non-Comex logo dial and mercedes pattern hands, and the only Comex markings are the engravings on the case back, along with the Comex issue number.

The most desirable Comex watches are fitted with the Comex logo dial (it's very satisfying to look at the face of the watch and see the comex marking beaming back, rather than wearing your watch backwards!!).

Sadly, Comex logo dials are no longer obtainable, now obsolete from Rolex (and don't even think about buying a $300 fake one from eBay ). A correct, period, matt Comex logo dial for a 5513 / 5514 will cost up to £30k if you can find one!!

As your watch stands, the saleable value is around £15k... dive log books and Comex emphemera associated to the watch will add interest and value...

Mike Wood

OP, their probably is not a more experienced Rolex Submariner enthusiast/collector in the world than Mike Wood. I would listen to his advice

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Excellent stream here.

Andyb83, I share others' opinions that you should not sell the watch regardless of offer. It's nice to know the price range, but for your own reference.

If you review Antiquorum's auctions over the past several years you will see several "Subs" that went for much more than the estimated price. There's something alluring about tool watches, especially those, such as Comex and Mil Sub, that have been used by real professionals. It's almost as though people who spent their careers making money are able to participate vicariously in the adventure by becoming the owners of a watch (or vintage racing car, or football team).

We all do that in various ways. It's legitimate and positive for someone with enough money and interest to buy a Comex, be proud to own it and feel a connection with it even if quite indirect and vicarious. On the other hand the connection you have to your grandfather's watch is beyond price--nobody can buy that.

I also agree about not taking it on any pub crawls.

[Alexus]

congrats to the Owner. Nice Piece from your Granddad. Keep it in good Health :)

[jerseyden]

If 2 people with money at the same auction want it. Who knows how high it will go. All common sense goes out of the window.

[Andyb83]

Thank you to everbody for the great information. Its been really intresting reading everyones views on the watch!

Theres no way i would sell it has to much sentimental value, more than anybody could put a number on. Theres a back story to it where he actually nearly drowned diving off the coast of libya, was recusitated and he asked to keep the watch as "momento" of the occasion. Thats how he came own it.

Im just wondering what everyones next move would be? to get it serviced or just get the braclet removed to find ount the serial numbers?

[Mark020]

Remove the bracelet with the paperclip. Under it you'll find either 5513 or 5514 and on the other side the serial (which you shouldn't disclose on the interwebs: 2.83xx or so will do).