Rolex reported back that my so called ‘British’ Military Submariner had originally be sold as a normal Rolex non-date Submariner 5513 in 1974 in Madrid, Spain!

Looking again at the watch I saw a few pointers that should alert anyone when buying one of these watches. The inscription on the case back did not have the correct arrow markings and also..............

Bracelet end link* underneath lug marks.....if the military Sub had fixed lug bars how could a bracelet have been fitted?

Bracelet end link mark between the lugs* ....again, .if the Military Sub had fixed lug barss how could a bracelet have been fitted?

The quality of the printing of the ‘T’ was not good and certainly not up to the standard expected of Rolex.





I was lucky, as this situation remedied itself , but for others make sure that when you buy a Military Submariner, as with other vintage pieces, to buy from a reputable seller who will stand behind the watch they are selling.

Another good thing to do is ask other enthusiasts their opinion. An excellent site is at

www.broadarrow.net

Good luck!

* Although, the solid bars normally preclude a bracelet being fitted, please not that it is not impossible to do so. But if you find these marks double check everything else.