Rolex Comex 5513 Submariner
Vintage

Rolex Comex 5513 Submariner

By gensiulia · Jul 9, 2016 · 14 replies
gensiulia
WPS member · Rolex forum
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Gensiulia shares his triumphant journey of acquiring a dream watch: a Rolex Comex 5513 Submariner. His post details the meticulous hunt, the personal connection with the original Comex diver, and the unique characteristics of this specific vintage reference.

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Hello guys,

So finally I reached one of my dream watches.

I took lot of patience and study, and finally - for this reference - the hunt is over.

I've been very lucky to get an email address from a mutual aussie friend, I started a very nice correspondence with a 71 yo Comex diver smile

This UK guy - unfortunately for him - needs to sell his 5513 to fully enjoy his retirement in Cebu, Philippine, after a sensational career as commercial diver for Comex Diving LTD

Finally we have an agreement on price, and the only problem would be to pick up the watch, cause I couldn't be away from work in this moment.

But I'm lucky to have a few friends abroad, and hand by hand, finally after a couple of weeks, the watch landed in Rome.

This is a particular specimen of No logo Comex, It belongs to the last batch of 5513 (with HEV of course) and it has a special caseback i've seen in the range of 200 / 250 issue number.

I would like to recall that the production does not exceed 240 units for Comex 5513.

(you may notice the writings: Rolex / Crown / Comex / Delivery n° - instead of the more common Crown / Rolex / Comex / n°)

While in the first batch you can find Logo and No logo dial at random (i would say 1/3 Logo) the last batch is all with No logo dial. So no doubts that my watch is born with a no Logo dial.

But my great confidence stems more from the fact that Terry, my friend Diver, do not pull the watch off from his wrist since the 1973, when is was delivered to him in Aberdeen, Scotland.


































 

So i'm very happy to show you my new Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 delivered to Comex, with all the aging, the hairlines, the chipped dial.

A watch that has an incredible meaning for me, and I'm not to going to change anything on it.






 


This is Terry, wearing "our" 5513 in New Zealand

 

...and some nerdy goodies

 

Thank you all for reading.

I would like to dedicate this post to the memory of Marcello Pisani.
Without him I would never have faced all this.

Best,
Chris


This message has been edited by gensiulia on 2016-07-09 00:22:00

About the Rolex Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680

The Rolex Submariner reference 1680 is notable as the first Submariner model to feature a date complication, marking a significant evolution for the line. Introduced in the late 1960s, it bridged the gap between the earlier no-date Submariners and later iterations, offering enhanced functionality while retaining the robust characteristics of the professional tool watch. This reference is distinguished by its single cyclops date magnifier on the crystal, a feature that would become a hallmark of many subsequent Rolex models.

This reference typically features a 40mm steel case, housing the self-winding Caliber 1575 movement. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The crystal is acrylic, commonly referred to as Plexiglas, contributing to its vintage aesthetic. Water resistance for the 1680 is rated at 200 meters, consistent with its design as a reliable underwater instrument.

For collectors, the reference 1680 is highly sought after, particularly early examples with "Red Submariner" dials where the word "Submariner" is printed in red. These variants represent a distinct period in Rolex's production history and are prized for their rarity and aesthetic appeal. The 1680 appeals to those who appreciate the blend of historical significance, functional design, and the tangible qualities of vintage Rolex manufacturing.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.1575
Case
steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
black
Water Resist.
200m
Crystal
Acrylic (Plexiglas)

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AL
Alkiro1
Jul 9, 2016
Very nice and complete post Chris

I am not a fan of Rolex but I have to admit that the Comex one is a mythic watch for Rolex collectors and the others. Congratulations and enjoy it. Best wishes Alkiro

BI
Bill
Jul 9, 2016
Let me be the first to congratulate you on your rolex 5513 Comex

i love the story of the hunt for this grail and the great end to the hunt. The case back order are they related to the last batch. It is true most that i have seen are Crown Rolex Comex Sm number. Bravo and wear it in great health. Bill

GE
gensiulia
Jul 9, 2016
Yes exactly Bill

In fact, when they stopped the 5513 issue, the 5514 has the "standard" caseback with Crown Rolex Comex n° as you said, till the Big Numbers (with a very small amount with circular writings and medium/small central numbers) Thank you my friend Chris

BI
Bill
Jul 9, 2016
So the number on the case back is medium vs small

Something like this but with different order crown in center. Thanks again and we all miss Marcello who we know is looking down over our shoulder everyday. www.watchprosite.com Rolex 5513 Comex with medium size number vs small number.

GE
gensiulia
Jul 9, 2016
this specimen is a 5513 in the range of 150 delivery number (Marci has one).

the are so many different sizes and shapes for this caseback styles, even for my caseback we can find medium and small numbers (i have only 5 in my database). for the first batch of 5513, from 11 to 197 at least...we can find also the very small numbers...like the FAP issues. I like it a lot, there is one for sale now from Marlon De Simone in Rome, with the n°88

AM
amanico
Jul 9, 2016
To Marcelo, indeed! I am very happy for you.

Your dream came true, and it is something grandiose. An unique moment. Huge congratulations... Auguri, my friend. All the best, Nicolas

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