A rare Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Submariner bracelet watch circa 1960 will be going under the hammer in April at Birmingham based auctioneers Fellows & Sons.
The watch, a 5513 model fitted with a 1530 calibre movement is still contained in its original box with outer card case and receipt. It will be auctioned together with associated military property to include a military issued Typhoon diver’s knife, photographs and Boom Defence and Diving cloth badges. The original owner was a seaman and diver in the Royal Navy and purchased the watch on board the HMS Ark Royal on 16th August 1965 whilst in Singapore. His name has been engraved on the case back for identification purposes.
During his time in the Royal Navy, the owner served in a number of conflicts including the Indonesian Confrontation and the Battle of Boyra. He also served in the Battle of Aden where the British had to protect their largest overseas military base from the attacks of those fighting for the independence of the South Arabian Federation.
Watch Valuer, Rebecca Webster says “The attraction of this watch is not merely limited to its collectability as a Rolex, but extends to its intrigue having served as an inanimate crew member of the HMS Ark Royal. It is the history of this piece, the events it has witnessed and taken part in that creates its air of magic. The integrity of this watch with the original box, contemporary images, receipts and the owner’s diving knife just add to the vividness of the tales this watch could tell, truly making it an ultimate dangerous watch for boys”.
Launched in the 1960’s and produced through to June 1990 the Rolex Submariner 5513 model is one of the longest continually produced references in Rolex history. The 1500 series of movements are thought to be one of the best ever created by the luxury brand.
This exceptional gentleman’s watch has been valued at £8,000 – £12,000 and will feature in the 6th April Wrist & Pocket Watch auction to be held at Fellows & Sons auction rooms in Augusta Street, Birmingham.
The auction contains over 400 lots and all items can be viewed on the website at www.fellows.co.uk.
Ends
For more information please contact Mary Long on 0121 212 5500 or email [email protected]
Notes to Editors
• Pictures are available on request
• Fellows & Sons is one of the UK’s oldest auctioneers, and is based in the Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham, UK. It was established in 1876 and remains a family business.
• The Indonesian Confrontation was an undeclared war between Indonesia and British backed Malaysia. The creation of the Federation of Malaysia in September 1963 was perceived by Indonesia’s President as an attempt by Britain to maintain colonial rule. As a result, Indonesia tried to destabilise the newly formed federation by launching a series of cross border raids into Malaysian territory. The war lasted nearly four years, with negotiations bringing it to an end. A peace treaty was signed in Bangkok in August 1966.
• The Battle of Boyra began in 1971 between the Indian and Pakistan Air Force and was the first engagement in the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Britain finally withdrew from Aden in 1967 after 128 years of imperial rule.
