The Rolex Submariner, a legend in the world of horology, holds a particularly fascinating chapter in its history intertwined with the British Armed Forces. From 1957 through the 1970s, Rolex produced several references specifically modified to meet the rigorous demands of military service. While pinpointing a specific "1970 Rolex Military Submariner" is a nuanced task due to the overlapping production runs and variations within references, understanding the context of the era and the specific reference 5513 (a key player throughout this period) is crucial to appreciating the allure and value of these coveted timepieces. This article will delve into the specifics of these military-issued Submariners, focusing on the 1970 timeframe and exploring the related aspects of pricing, value, and similar models from the era.
The British Ministry of Defence and the Rolex Submariner:
The relationship between the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Rolex began in the late 1950s, driven by the need for robust and reliable diving watches for their naval personnel. Rolex, already renowned for its precision and durability, emerged as a preferred supplier. The MoD's specifications were stringent, demanding watches capable of withstanding extreme underwater pressure, impacts, and the harsh conditions of maritime service. This led Rolex to produce modified versions of their existing Submariner models, incorporating features tailored to military requirements. These modifications often included subtle but significant differences from the standard civilian models, making the military-issue Submariners highly sought-after collectibles today.
Reference 5513: The Workhorse of the 1970s:
The Rolex Submariner reference 5513 emerged as a dominant model throughout the 1960s and 70s, and a significant portion of these were supplied to the British MoD. While not exclusively military-issue (many civilian versions existed), the 5513 frequently featured specific characteristics that distinguish it from its civilian counterparts, including:
* Broad Arrow Hands: One of the most recognizable features of the British Ministry of Defence Submariners is the distinctive broad arrow hand. This symbol, a three-pronged arrowhead, served as a clear indicator of military ownership and helped prevent unauthorized sales or use. However, the presence or absence of the broad arrow doesn't automatically confirm military issue, as some were applied later by private owners. Careful examination by an expert is necessary for authentication.
* Markings and Serial Numbers: Military-issue 5513s often bore specific markings or serial numbers that indicate their provenance. These markings could be located on the caseback or even subtly etched on the dial. Again, proper authentication requires expertise.
* Dial Variations: The dials of military Submariners of the era showed variations in font, lume plots, and the placement of text. These subtle differences, combined with other features, help authenticate the watch's history.
* Case and Bracelet Variations: The cases and bracelets on these military watches also exhibited slight variations from civilian models. These differences often relate to the materials used and the construction techniques employed.
1970 Rolex Submariner Price and Value:
Determining the price of a 1970 Rolex Military Submariner, specifically a reference 5513, is a complex undertaking. Its value is heavily dependent on several factors:
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