I was a comex diver and sold my 5513 submariner a couple of years ago. One thing that i don't think is understood is that parts were replaced on these watches by Rolex virtually everytime they had a free service so those that were in the possession of real divers would not now be the original item. Apart from the internals, the bezels used to detach, clasps on the straps unlatch and glass get scratched with heavy use. I wore mine constantly for 45 years it wasn't the best time keeper without being regularly serviced.
My father was a Comex diver given one for testing, and wore it for work and diving the rest of his life, literally diving right up to the end. He only noticed after receiving it back from service, that they had either replaced the dial, or re-applied the lume (unlikely), without mentioning it to him, as the watch was now glowing brighter than it ever had!
Bob, you seem to be one of the few people in the watch community who understands the purpose and function of the helium escape valve. It comes into play only in the dry environment of the presssurised mixed gas dive chamber. Helium molecules are the smallest molecules. As such, they can penetrate even a well-sealed watch that is impervious to water. As the pressure in the dry dive chamber is reduced, the helium trapped within the watch expands, increases the pressure within the watch, and can blow out the crystal. The escape valve does not come into play at all in “wet diving” at any depth.
Congratulations for this find, incredible time-piece. I think you did not mention the fact that the dial does not have neither the "Submariner" word, nor "COMEX" word. I guess that´s unusual too. Beside the very interesting details about the adoption of the Helium valve, and the technical issues about it. Time passes, and all those tool-watches of that pioneering era become more and more important. But in that special group Submariner is so special... almost magic, for watch-fans, I think. Cheers!
I'm guessing this watch sold long before it hit Bob's Watches website? There is a detailed listing with lots of information, but no mention of a price. I'd be really curious how much this went for.
Was this the watch that once belonged to the former COMEX diver that was on antiques roadshow in 2019? I hope he got his money - seemed a really cool guy.
For future reference revue some vintage Tudors! You know which ones the Tudor Prince with crossover Rolex Parts. Like the Crown, Case back the oyster band fold over clasp. Those are awesome. Many Blessings
The Rolex sub with the HEV is the 5514 unless everything I read and researched is wrong and my 5514 is wrong? Mine has 5514 stamped between the lugs. Maybe they converted some 5513's?
The original prototypes given to the divers were standard 5513 with the HEV added. V. Low numbers given for testing, then sent bacl to Rolex, before being returned to the divers.
You got it! Rolex famously produced Submariner and Sea-Dweller watches for COMEX divers, which have become iconic and highly collectible. Appreciate you sharing this!
@@darrenfry4695 To be honest before checking I thought it meant "compagnie marseillaise d'exploration" but that's why google exists ...I live in France so I knew about comex before all the "sub" hype....
Helium escape Valve?..... Every watch has one... Its called the crown... Simply unscrew the crown when your back in the chamber and the helium monicules will escape .. Simple.
“Some of them are really real watches” - there you have it, Bob’s watches admitting passing fakes… later “look at this one, it came out great” lol… guy this is a fake, they assembled it from different parts.
I was a comex diver and sold my 5513 submariner a couple of years ago. One thing that i don't think is understood is that parts were replaced on these watches by Rolex virtually everytime they had a free service so those that were in the possession of real divers would not now be the original item. Apart from the internals, the bezels used to detach, clasps on the straps unlatch and glass get scratched with heavy use. I wore mine constantly for 45 years it wasn't the best time keeper without being regularly serviced.
My father was a Comex diver given one for testing, and wore it for work and diving the rest of his life, literally diving right up to the end. He only noticed after receiving it back from service, that they had either replaced the dial, or re-applied the lume (unlikely), without mentioning it to him, as the watch was now glowing brighter than it ever had!
Damn this Rolex Comex watch gave me goose bumps!!! That in other words was like a prototype. In any case keep them coming👍
Great information. Education. And owner story. Thanks for sharing 🙌🏾 ⚡️
Glad that you enjoyed it! With every watch comes a unique story and owner.😁
Bob, you seem to be one of the few people in the watch community who understands the purpose and function of the helium escape valve. It comes into play only in the dry environment of the presssurised mixed gas dive chamber. Helium molecules are the smallest molecules. As such, they can penetrate even a well-sealed watch that is impervious to water. As the pressure in the dry dive chamber is reduced, the helium trapped within the watch expands, increases the pressure within the watch, and can blow out the crystal. The escape valve does not come into play at all in “wet diving” at any depth.
Congratulations for this find, incredible time-piece. I think you did not mention the fact that the dial does not have neither the "Submariner" word, nor "COMEX" word. I guess that´s unusual too. Beside the very interesting details about the adoption of the Helium valve, and the technical issues about it. Time passes, and all those tool-watches of that pioneering era become more and more important. But in that special group Submariner is so special... almost magic, for watch-fans, I think. Cheers!
I don’t see this on your website. Can you tell me the year (you mentioned early 70s but curious if it’s a 1970). Also what’s the price?
Incredible. Just amazing
Wow! Great story, great watch!
This is the real sub... thank you Bob
I'm guessing this watch sold long before it hit Bob's Watches website? There is a detailed listing with lots of information, but no mention of a price. I'd be really curious how much this went for.
Are there 5512s with escape valve?
Was this the watch that once belonged to the former COMEX diver that was on antiques roadshow in 2019?
I hope he got his money - seemed a really cool guy.
This is most likely not the same watch, we recieved this from a collector.
@@bobswatches that’s unfortunate - they’re stories seemed very similar as well.
I loved the video too , great work.
Yesterday on Facebook stolen Rolex page, a former COMEX diver got his COMEX sub stolen, #713…. Makes me sick to my stomach.
Fantastic
For future reference revue some vintage Tudors! You know which ones the Tudor Prince with crossover Rolex Parts. Like the Crown, Case back the oyster band fold over clasp.
Those are awesome.
Many Blessings
I realize I'm kinda randomly asking but do anyone know a good website to stream new movies online ?
@Eric Ty I use FlixZone. Just search on google for it =)
@Cayson Reign yea, been watching on Flixzone for since april myself =)
@Cayson Reign Thanks, signed up and it seems like a nice service :) Appreciate it!
@Eric Ty No problem :D
Very interesting
The Rolex sub with the HEV is the 5514 unless everything I read and researched is wrong and my 5514 is wrong? Mine has 5514 stamped between the lugs. Maybe they converted some 5513's?
The original prototypes given to the divers were standard 5513 with the HEV added. V. Low numbers given for testing, then sent bacl to Rolex, before being returned to the divers.
and now I replied before getting to the end of the comments :)
My dad worked for comex in the 70s and 80s
For anyone wondering Comex stands for Compagnie Maritime d'Expertise created in Marseille, France in the 60's...
You got it! Rolex famously produced Submariner and Sea-Dweller watches for COMEX divers, which have become iconic and highly collectible. Appreciate you sharing this!
Yep that the exact wording used from Google lol.
@@darrenfry4695 To be honest before checking I thought it meant "compagnie marseillaise d'exploration" but that's why google exists ...I live in France so I knew about comex before all the "sub" hype....
I have seen one Comex printed Rolex
I have one these in mint condition now
Stupid me, I commented before finishing the video! I will fall on my sword now....
Helium escape Valve?..... Every watch has one... Its called the crown... Simply unscrew the crown when your back in the chamber and the helium monicules will escape .. Simple.
WHY WOULD ANYONE SELL THIS???
“Some of them are really real watches” - there you have it, Bob’s watches admitting passing fakes… later “look at this one, it came out great” lol… guy this is a fake, they assembled it from different parts.
Really RARE watches
A long winded justification for the high price of a “COMEX sub” that doesn’t actually say COMEX on the dial. Sorry, it ain’t the same…..
Where is Ms. THICCness?