Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

United Kingdom

Rare 50 year old Royal Navy issue Rolex “Milsub” watch sells for £155,000 at auction

A rare Rolex military issue divers’ watch -known as a Milsub – has sold for £155,000 at auction.

The Rolex 5513/5517 Submariner had sat in the owner’s drawer for decades.

The watch – estimated at £80,000 – sold within two minutes before being knocked down at £155,000.

It was described as “one of the rarest and most collectable watches today”.

Advertisement

The owner took the Rolex to an antique shop in Crieff, Scotland.

Dealer Nick Brewster said:

“On first sight of this exquisite watch, I felt that there was something about it.

“The hammer price of £155,000 plus commission was above what we had hoped for and both myself and my client are overjoyed with the result.

“It was a pleasure to be able to bring the watch to market and for it to achieve such a high price.”

The sold Milsub was issued by the Ministry of Defence in the 70s to a Royal Navy diver.

The current owner – who wishes to remain anonymous – bought the watch ten years later and used it during diving.

However, the watch was consigned to a drawer when the bezel – a dial which measures how long a diver has been underwater – broke off.

Mr Brewster said:

“The market for exceptional watches is buoyant at the moment.

“The last original MilSub to reach the Bonhams London saleroom made £180,000, back in February.”

During the 70s no more than 1,200 Minsub watches were handed out by the MoD to Royal Navy submariners as basic equipment.

It is estimated that less than a tenth is still to be around.

 

Comments

You May Also Like

United Kingdom

Film director Ridley Scott has recalled the death of actor Oliver Reed while making the Oscar winning blockbuster Gladiator. Scott said hard-drinking Reed “just...

Business

The controversial Russian businessman Viktor Baturin, well-known for his years-long counterstanding with his wealthy sister Elena, widow of Moscow ex-mayor Yuri Luzhkov, is likely...

United Kingdom

The Tremeloes. Dave Munden centre Dave Munden the Tremeloes drummer – and often lead singer – with the 60s chart toppers has died. He...

United Kingdom

The Watneys Party Seven is making a comeback. The ubiquitous 70s beer was a bland fizzing bitter ridiculed by many. The drink’s insipidness helped...