Brand: Rolex
Model: Submariner 5514 "COMEX"
Historic Rolex Submariner ref. 5514 "COMEX" — no logo dial. The rarest reference in the COMEX story: unlike other models simply engraved for the company, the 5514 was built exclusively for COMEX, never sold commercially, and issued solely to the divers of Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises. Roughly 300 examples believed produced.
Built on the 5513 case with the addition of a helium escape valve, sharing its architecture with the early Sea-Dweller. Serial in the 4.1 million range places this example near the end of production. Serial engraved in caseback, COMEX stamped.
Movement: Cal. 1520 working
This example comes with extraordinary provenance — issued to diver José Houles, accompanied by the following documentation:
— Personal Log Book of all COMEX career missions
— Cetravim Diver's Certificate
— Professional COMEX Book of Divers
— COMEX Card
— Newspaper clippings from a record-breaking mission dated November 1st, 1980
— Management evaluation form
— Offshore installation forms and regulations
— Handwritten letters detailing the watch's history
This 5514 was given to Mr. Houles following the loss of his first COMEX-issued watch during a mission. Used throughout his career, it served on various record-breaking dives and during the filming of Le Grand Bleu by Luc Besson, in which Houles served as medic for the cast.
Condition: lume intact on hands and dial, case previously polished — truly used as a tool watch. MK3 insert slightly faded, great condition. Service recommended — left as found.
Brand: Rolex
Model: Submariner 5514 "COMEX"
Historic Rolex Submariner ref. 5514 "COMEX" — no logo dial. The rarest reference in the COMEX story: unlike other models simply engraved for the company, the 5514 was built exclusively for COMEX, never sold commercially, and issued solely to the divers of Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises. Roughly 300 examples believed produced.
Built on the 5513 case with the addition of a helium escape valve, sharing its architecture with the early Sea-Dweller. Serial in the 4.1 million range places this example near the end of production. Serial engraved in caseback, COMEX stamped.
Movement: Cal. 1520 working
This example comes with extraordinary provenance — issued to diver José Houles, accompanied by the following documentation:
— Personal Log Book of all COMEX career missions
— Cetravim Diver's Certificate
— Professional COMEX Book of Divers
— COMEX Card
— Newspaper clippings from a record-breaking mission dated November 1st, 1980
— Management evaluation form
— Offshore installation forms and regulations
— Handwritten letters detailing the watch's history
This 5514 was given to Mr. Houles following the loss of his first COMEX-issued watch during a mission. Used throughout his career, it served on various record-breaking dives and during the filming of Le Grand Bleu by Luc Besson, in which Houles served as medic for the cast.
Condition: lume intact on hands and dial, case previously polished — truly used as a tool watch. MK3 insert slightly faded, great condition. Service recommended — left as found.
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