Military Rolex Submariner set to steal the show at Bonhams sale

Bonhams’ forthcoming sale in London will shine a spotlight on a Rolex Military Submariner, circa 1975.

The 143-lot auction will showcase watches from an array of other brands too, including Breguet, Patek Philippe, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, Cartier and Tiffany & Co.

Bonhams Head of Knightsbridge Watches, Charles Dower, is excited about the quality on offer: “The Bonhams London Watches live sale includes fine examples of highly desirable timepieces by the most illustrious designers, celebrated for their extraordinary craftsmanship,” he said. 

“Highlights include an exceptional collection of Rolex watches dating from the 1930s to the present day, ranging from a 1930 Prince to a notable 1975 military Submariner. Together, the collection offers timepieces that are both eminently wearable and highly sought after in today’s market.”

The aforementioned Submariner, reference 5513/5517, is a rare military-issue stainless steel automatic wristwatch with a black dia. The Ministry of Defence is said to have directly ordered its production for the British Military and is manufactured with specific enhancements, distoinguising it from its civilian counterpart. It’s estimate sits at £65,000–85,000.  

Another sale highlight is another Rolex—a Jean Claude Killy Dato Compax, reference 6036, circa 1953, a rare 18K gold manual wind triple calendar chronograph with an estimate of £20,000–30,000.

A rare limited edition stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Sea King’, one of 123, reference 116710LN, is also up for grabs, estimated at £20,000–25,000.

The sale takes place on 25 February in Knightsbridge, London.