The Rolex Submariner. The name conjures images of daring underwater exploration, rugged resilience, and timeless elegance. While the modern Submariner enjoys widespread recognition, a less-known chapter in its history involves a specific military contract and a model shrouded in some mystery: the purported "Rolex 5516 Mil Spec Submariner." The reality, however, is more nuanced than a simple model designation suggests. The story of the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its relationship with Rolex in the late 1950s is complex, and the precise specifications and production numbers of any "5516" remain debated among collectors and historians.
Around 1957, when the MOD was finally ready to commit to a significant Submariner procurement, Rolex was already several years and several upgraded references into the Submariner's evolutionary journey. The iconic 6538, a predecessor to the 5512, had already established itself as a robust and reliable dive watch. This model, known for its characteristic broad arrow hands and its relatively large size compared to later Submariners, served as a foundational design for subsequent military variants. However, the reference number 5516 itself doesn't appear in official Rolex records, leading to speculation about its true existence and its relationship to the watches supplied to the British military.
The lack of official documentation surrounding a "5516" reference doesn't negate the fact that Rolex supplied a significant number of Submariners to the British armed forces. These watches, often referred to as "Mil Subs," were typically based on existing models, such as the 6538 and later the 5512, but modified to meet the specific requirements of the MOD. These modifications might have included different dial markings, crown configurations, or even case alterations for enhanced durability. The absence of a "5516" reference number might simply reflect Rolex's internal practices, where military contracts didn't always result in unique reference numbers being assigned. Instead, the watches could have been tracked internally based on the contract details and modifications made.
This ambiguity surrounding the "5516" highlights the importance of understanding the broader context of Rolex Submariner production during this period. Exploring the characteristics of the closely related Rolex 5512 provides crucial insights into the potential features of any hypothetical "5516" Mil Spec variant.
Rolex Submariner Reference 5512: The Foundation
The Rolex Submariner reference 5512, produced from the late 1950s to the mid-1980s, is a pivotal model in the Submariner lineage. Its relatively long production run and its association with the British military make it a key subject of study when investigating the "5516" mystery. The 5512 shares many characteristics with the earlier 6538, but with notable refinements. These include a slightly more refined case design, improved water resistance, and a range of dial variations.
current url：https://ascpti.e171z.com/all/rolex-5516-mil-spec-submariner-88080
louis vuitton schoenen heren 2016 david jones gucci soho bag