The Rolex Submariner reference 5514, particularly the examples delivered to the French underwater diving company COMEX (Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises), represent a fascinating chapter in the history of this iconic watch. While the Submariner's enduring appeal lies in its robust functionality and timeless design, the COMEX 5514 adds a layer of intrigue and rarity, making it a highly sought-after piece among collectors. This article delves into the specifics of this particular Submariner variant, exploring its history, distinguishing features, and its place within the broader context of Rolex's relationship with COMEX and the evolution of the Submariner itself.
Rolex Comex 5514: A Deeper Dive
The collaboration between Rolex and COMEX began in the 1960s, a period of significant advancements in saturation diving. COMEX, known for its pioneering work in deep-sea exploration and underwater construction, required reliable and exceptionally durable timepieces for their divers. This need led to a close partnership with Rolex, resulting in the creation of several specialized watches, including the iconic 5514 Submariner. Unlike the more widely known MilSub (reference 5517), the COMEX 5514 maintains the standard Submariner aesthetic, subtly differentiating itself through its provenance rather than overt design modifications.
The heart of the COMEX 5514 beats with the robust Rolex caliber 1520, a movement shared with the MilSub reference 5517. This movement, known for its reliability and accuracy, was a crucial element in ensuring the watch's performance under extreme pressure and challenging underwater conditions. However, the COMEX 5514 diverges from its MilSub counterpart in several key aspects. While the MilSub featured a distinct bezel insert with a different minute-marker arrangement and often a unique handset, the COMEX 5514 largely retained the standard Submariner configuration. This makes identification of a genuine COMEX 5514 reliant on provenance and subtle details rather than easily discernible visual cues.
SUBMARINER “COMEX” MODEL, REF. 5514, CIRCA:
Determining the exact production period of the COMEX 5514s remains a subject of ongoing discussion among collectors and enthusiasts. The watches were delivered to COMEX over a period of several years, and precisely dating each individual piece requires careful examination of serial numbers and accompanying documentation, if available. The absence of any overt markings indicating a COMEX association further complicates the identification process. This lack of explicit branding contributes to the watch's mystique and makes authentic examples incredibly valuable. The challenge of verifying authenticity underscores the importance of sourcing these watches from reputable dealers specializing in vintage Rolex.
The Comex ref. 5514 – Corrado Mattarelli:
Experts like Corrado Mattarelli have significantly contributed to our understanding of the COMEX 5514. Their research and analysis of existing examples, often combined with historical documentation and interviews with individuals involved in the COMEX-Rolex relationship, are crucial in piecing together the story of this elusive watch. Mattarelli's work, along with other detailed analyses, helps establish the characteristics that distinguish authentic COMEX 5514s from similar models. These analyses often focus on subtle case details, dial variations, and hand configurations, providing a framework for authentication.
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