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Where is the Rolex Comex 5513 HEV in the conversation.

 

Rolex submitted patent number CH-A-492 246 on 11/ 1967 (see document attached).   That much we know.  We also know that Rolex fitted the 5513 with HEV which is the earliest “Comex ”  clean dial i.e. no Comex on the dial.  The Rolex Submariner 5513 HEV appears to have been produced in a  batch(sequential numbers) of +/- 200 units.  The first run was with the Comex case back and small number inscription on the back with a clean dial.  All of this seems to have occurred around 1969/1970 as the casebacks are 1.70.  This would add to the conversation of which watches received the HEV for testing. The serial range speaks for itself (PP 1.7 mil?) but what is the story with the PPDRSD that seems to have a range 1.7 to 2.2 which goes contrary to Marcello Pisani theory that the MK1 PPDRSD was produced in a batch and as such should have one serial number range.  Can we assume that the “Prototype” batch had the 1.7 mil case and some found their way into the market and the production for the public carry the 2.1.  I have heard such stories but I have no idea.   By contrast the first Comex 5513 HEV had a 2.8 mil serial range exclusively .  Could Rolex have reserved a batch of cases for the PPDRSD and assembled them at a later date let’s say 1971 for example.









By 1972 we do start to see the 1665 come into the market but the 5513 first batch where all only issued as “Comex Prototype”.  I know we hate the word prototype when we have batches of  several hundred units being produced.   So I will close by using a different term  “not sold to the public” and for commercial and research purposes only.  The early Comex 5513 HEV is equally important to consider the Rolex HEV  history.














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