Bonhams Knightsbridge Sells Vintage Royal Navy Rolex Submariner For $268,000 USD
One of the last fabled “MilSub” watches commissioned from Rolex.
A military issued 1975 Rolex Submariner has sold in London for £200,250 GBP (approximately $268,000 USD), tripling its presale estimate.
The Royal Navy-issued ref: 5513/5517 was one of a limited batch of modified Submariners commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence in the 1970s with “enhanced specifications including thicker, sword-shaped hands for enhanced legibility.”
The watch was offered for sale by its original owner, who served in the Royal Navy for 27 years and was the recipient of the Royal Humane Society award and Queens Commendation for Brave Conduct.
The result was the highest hammer price so far achieved by Bonhams Knightsbridge Watches for a single watch.
Rolex watches dominated the Top 10 most valuable pieces sold at Bonhams Knightsbridge Watches and Wristwatches sale on Tuesday, with 23 pieces from the brand selling in total, including a 1962 Submariner Ref: 5512 – which saw active service with the Fleet Air Arm – selling for £21,500 GBP (approximately $28,700 USD) and a 1962 Submariner Ref: 5508 also achieving £21,500 GBP (approximately $28,700 USD).
Elsewhere in the sale, a 1969 18K gold Cartier Tank – one of nine Cartier watches sold on the day – achieved £17,750 GBP (approximately $23,750 USD).
In other watch news, NOMOS drops pair of platinum grey Tangente watches.
