Five pearls from the Rolex "crown"...

Please permit me a self-indulgent moment and allow me to share five milSubs from my collection. This is the first time I have brought together these five watches, and although they look pretty similar, each is unique! Sorry for the crappy photo!

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...C/DSCN8116.jpg

From left-to-right: 1975 ref. 5513 (0552 Royal Navy Clearance Diver) ~ 1977 double ref. 5513/5517 (0552 Royal Navy) ~ 1957 ref. A/6538 (0552 Royal Navy) ~ 1978 ref. 5517 (0552 Royal Navy Marines) ~ 1977 ref. 5517 (W-10 S.A.S. Army)

The watches are all "full-spec".

I feel priveleged to be "custodian" of this little lot!!

Mike Wood

8)

Loving the colour on the '57. 8)

R

Lovely :D 8) :mrgreen:

Wonderful stuff.......How many of the W10 SAS version were made Mike?

Rgds
Jim

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Originally Posted by aliasrichmond

Wonderful stuff.......How many of the W10 SAS version were made Mike?

Rgds
Jim

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Two batches: fifty and eighty watches, but not all were W-10 Army issue. So, they're a bit jolly rare, and very few survive.

even an ignoramus such as me can appreciate how cool that set is 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

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Originally Posted by Mike Wood

Please permit me a self-indulgent moment and allow me to share five milSubs from my collection. This is the first time I have brought together these five watches, and although they look pretty similar, each is unique! Sorry for the crappy photo!

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...C/DSCN8116.jpg

From left-to-right: 1975 ref. 5513 (0552 Royal Navy Clearance Diver) ~ 1977 double ref. 5513/5517 (0552 Royal Navy) ~ 1957 ref. A/6538 (0552 Royal Navy) ~ 1978 ref. 5517 (0552 Royal Navy Marines) ~ 1977 ref. 5517 (W-10 S.A.S. Army)

The watches are all "full-spec".

I feel priveleged to be "custodian" of this little lot!!

Mike Wood

8)

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That's very nice.

If I may ask, why are the issued watches no-date? :?:

Thanks in advance.

8)

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Originally Posted by TopCat

Why are the issued watches no-date? :?:

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I believe these watches were supposed to be "signed out" for an operation, and returned after. A calendar feature would "busy up" the dial impairing legibility, and was deemed unnecessary...

OH my!!!!!! (quicky rushing to get a wet wipe :D ) especially middle bottom :shock:

Stunning Mike, truely stunning. Many thanks for sharing.

I had a look at a Andrew's 5513 MilSpec last week, however I have to say these are nicer (sorry Andrew).

Regarding the NCG were these issued at the same time the RN had the BPFF or after?.

Many thanks again Andy

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Originally Posted by Mike Wood

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TopCat

Why are the issued watches no-date? :?:

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I believe these watches were supposed to be "signed out" for an operation, and returned after. A calendar feature would "busy up" the dial impairing legibility, and was deemed unnecessary...

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Thanks MW.
I saw your collection some time ago over at the other site (add a 'R' to your initials).
Thanks for sharing.
8)

Impressive 8)

Really nice, milsub are really outstanding.

Thats a really nice collection

8) 8) 8) 8) 8) :shock: :shock: 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

Stunning, it's fantastic to see the evolution of the design.

Why does the centre one have Mercedes hands when all the others have the sword hands Mike?

Eddie

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Originally Posted by swanbourne

Why does the centre one have Mercedes hands when all the others have the sword hands Mike?

Eddie

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And an Explorer dial....

Congratulations MIke, my favourite is the second from left .... NWs Franco, Sheffield

Wonderful collection :shock:

Absolutely stunning! Wow!

nice collection.

Really awesome watches!

Mike I just got Wood :bounce:

Fabulous!

Fabulous!

Time to ask the boss for a pay rise :lol:

Mike,

We need you to write a book on the MILSUB so we can all learn more on this fascinating subject.

Cheers
Neal

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Originally Posted by Broussard

Quote:

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Originally Posted by swanbourne

Why does the centre one have Mercedes hands when all the others have the sword hands Mike?

Eddie

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And an Explorer dial....

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I'm assuming that these are (probably) among the most valuable repainted dials of any vintage watch. Another example of one rule for Rolex watch prices and another for common or garden vintage watches...

Holy smoke what a beauties :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Thank you for sharing. Stunning collection.

Amazing collection, Mike.

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Originally Posted by swanbourne

Why does the centre one have Mercedes hands when all the others have the sword hands Mike?

Eddie

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Sorry, was asleep there.

Centre watch is my 1950's A6538 military Submariner.

The watch would originally have been fitted with a radium dial and radium Mercedes hands.

The MOD replaced the radium dials and hands in the early 1960s with the so-called "Burford" dials... Rolex Submariner dials reprinted in the UK with tritium lume and fitted with trit Mercedes hands.

The gladiator / sword hands were only fitted to the 5513 and 5517 milSubs during the 1970's...

MW

:)

Stunning! I dream of a 5517 8)

Very nice. Thank you - and I'd love a 5517 with sword hands..

That's a stunning collection. I've always liked the sword hands on the Milsub.

Simply incredible watches. I love everything about them! :D

Cracking ine up 8)

OMG :shock: !
Thank you Mike for that great picture (*drooling*)
very very very nice (and expensive, but smart investment) :thumbleft:

Congratulations!
Collection of what can only wish, five beautiful Rolex together, I'm sorry that I am not among them sixth.
I hope that the number of them continue to grow and we'll continue to admire their beauty!

:cheers:

Great collection, i havent seen so many together like that in one go.

look great on those natos

Keep coming back to this thread, keeps me on the carpet, GAME OVER

Explorer , gladiator

Too bad jealousy is a deadly sin... :lol:

I need them :bom: :bom: :bom: :bom: :bom: