Rolex 5517 MilSub: An Icon of Military Rarity

In the world of luxury diving watches, few models can match the allure and rarity of the Rolex Submariner Military Reference 5517. This extraordinary watch represents a unique chapter in the brand's history, having been designed exclusively for the British Armed Forces and never made available to the civilian market. Although essentially a variant of the renowned 5513, its specific modifications and historical context elevate it to one of the most coveted pieces among military watch collectors.

A Unique Design for Military Use

Between 1971 and 1979, the British Ministry of Defence commissioned approximately 1,200 examples of the Rolex 5517, distributed among the British special forces: the Special Air Service (SAS) and the Special Boat Service (SBS). These watches, known as "MilSubs," were developed based on the 5513 model but incorporated numerous modifications to meet the military's operational needs.

MilSub Highlights:

• 39mm Case: More compact than current standards, yet perfect for ruggedness and ease of handling.
• Fixed Lugs: Designed to accommodate NATO straps, which offered greater security and stability during operations.
• Stainless Steel Bezel: Different from the civilian versions, it featured markings for the full 60 minutes instead of just the first 15, to improve legibility during operation. prolonged dives.
• Engraved Case Backs: Watches destined for the SBS were marked "0552," while those for the SAS bore "W10."
• Broad Sword Hands: A distinctive feature of the 5517, these hands provided superior readability, but their large surface area was prone to flaking and oxidation, making original examples even rarer.
• Tritium Symbol: A circle with the letter "Ⓣ" above 6 o'clock, indicating the replacement of dangerous radium with the safer tritium.

“0552” Caseback for the Special Boat Service (SBS)

Maintenance and Replacements: A Challenge for Collectors

To ensure flawless operation under extreme conditions, MilSubs underwent frequent maintenance. This led to the use of spare parts, particularly for the hands, which often required replacement due to wear. This practice helped further reduce the number of examples in original condition, increasing the value of surviving watches.

A Piece of History

The Rolex 5517 is much more than just a watch. It is an heirloom that embodies the collaboration between Swiss fine watchmaking and British military requirements. Today, it is estimated that only 180 examples remain in circulation, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Submariners in the world.

Technical Specifications

• Case: 39 mm stainless steel
• Lugs: Fixed, for NATO straps
• Movement: Caliber 1520 with 26 jewels and anti-shock system
• Bezel: Stainless steel with aluminum insert
• Dial: Marked with the "Ⓣ" symbol for the tritium