A Comprehensive Guide to the Iconic Diver Watch
Greetings, fellow watch enthusiasts! There’s no doubt that Rolex is a household name in the world of fine timepieces. Among its most coveted collections is the Rolex 5517, a vintage diver watch that has been a favorite of collectors and aficionados alike for over half a century. In this article, we’ll delve into the history, features, pros and cons, and everything else you need to know about the Rolex 5517. So, let’s get started!
Introduction
The Rolex 5517: A Brief History
The Rolex 5517 was first introduced in the 1950s as a military watch for the British Royal Navy’s special forces. It was specifically designed to meet the requirements of professional divers for underwater missions. The watch’s rugged design and exceptional water resistance made it an instant favorite not only among Navy divers but also among Rolex collectors worldwide.
Subsequently, the Rolex 5517 evolved into a civilian version in the early 1960s, which was then made available to the public. However, only a limited number of these watches were produced, which makes them all the more valuable and sought-after by collectors today.
Design and Features
The Rolex 5517 boasts a classic and timeless design that still looks contemporary to this day. Its case is made of stainless steel and features a black bakelite bezel with a luminous hour marker. The watch’s dial is clean and easy to read, with a simple and elegant design that is characteristic of Rolex watches during that period.
The Rolex 5517 is equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement, which ensures accurate timekeeping and a power reserve of up to 48 hours. The watch also features a screw-down crown and caseback, which provides excellent water resistance of up to 660 feet or 200 meters.
The Rolex 5517 in Popular Culture
The Rolex 5517 has been featured in numerous films and television series, cementing its status as an icon in popular culture. It was famously worn by Sean Connery’s James Bond in the 1964 film “Goldfinger,” making it one of the most iconic and recognizable wristwatches of all time.
Value and Rarity
Given its rich history, exceptional design, and limited production, it’s no surprise that the Rolex 5517 is a highly coveted and valuable timepiece. In recent years, the watch has become increasingly rare and hard to find, which has driven up its value significantly. Depending on its condition and provenance, a vintage Rolex 5517 can fetch anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Rolex 5517
Advantages
1. Timeless Design
The Rolex 5517 features a classic and elegant design that has remained relevant and fashionable over the decades. Its simple yet sophisticated style makes it a perfect accessory for both formal and casual occasions.
2. Exceptional Water Resistance
One of the most notable features of the Rolex 5517 is its exceptional water resistance of up to 660 feet or 200 meters. This makes it a reliable and dependable watch for professional divers and water sports enthusiasts.
3. High-Quality Craftsmanship
The Rolex 5517 is a testament to Rolex’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Every detail, from the movement to the case and dial, is meticulously designed and assembled by skilled watchmakers, ensuring that the watch is both durable and reliable.
4. Rarity and Collectibility
The Rolex 5517 is a rare and highly sought-after timepiece that has become increasingly difficult to find. Its limited production, combined with its historical significance and exceptional design, makes it a valuable addition to any watch collection.
Disadvantages
1. Limited Availability
The Rolex 5517 is a vintage watch that is no longer in production, making it a rare and hard-to-find timepiece. This can make it challenging to find one that is in good condition and at a reasonable price.
2. Price
The Rolex 5517 is a highly valued and collectible watch, which means that it can be quite expensive. Depending on its condition and provenance, a vintage Rolex 5517 can cost tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. This can make it an unattainable option for some collectors or watch enthusiasts.
The Rolex 5517 Table
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rolex |
| Model | 5517 |
| Movement | Self-winding mechanical movement |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 40mm |
| Bezel | Black bakelite with luminous hour marker |
| Dial | Black with luminous hour markers and hands |
| Crystal | Arc-shaped and made of acrylic |
| Water Resistance | 660 feet or 200 meters |
| Bracelet | Jubilee bracelet or Oyster bracelet |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the history of the Rolex 5517?
The Rolex 5517 was originally designed as a military watch for the British Royal Navy’s special forces in the 1950s. It was later released as a civilian version in the early 1960s, and only a limited number of these watches were produced.
2. What is the Rolex 5517’s water resistance rating?
The Rolex 5517 has an exceptional water resistance rating of up to 660 feet or 200 meters, making it suitable for professional divers and water sports enthusiasts.
3. How much does a vintage Rolex 5517 cost?
The cost of a vintage Rolex 5517 can vary depending on its condition and provenance. However, it can cost tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
4. What makes the Rolex 5517 a collectible watch?
The Rolex 5517 is a rare and highly sought-after timepiece due to its limited production, historical significance, exceptional design, and rarity.
5. What are the advantages of owning a Rolex 5517?
The advantages of owning a Rolex 5517 include its timeless design, exceptional water resistance, high-quality craftsmanship, and rarity and collectibility.
6. What is the disadvantage of owning a Rolex 5517?
The main disadvantage of owning a Rolex 5517 is its limited availability and high cost, which makes it a difficult watch to acquire for some collectors or watch enthusiasts.
7. How can I authenticate a vintage Rolex 5517?
To authenticate a vintage Rolex 5517, it is recommended to take it to a reputable watch dealer, auction house, or Rolex-certified service center. They can examine the watch’s condition, provenance, and features to determine its authenticity.
Conclusion
The Rolex 5517 is an iconic and legendary watch that has stood the test of time. Its exceptional design, high-quality craftsmanship, and historical significance have made it a valuable and coveted timepiece for vintage watch collectors and Rolex enthusiasts alike. Although it may be challenging to find a Rolex 5517 in good condition and at a reasonable price, its rarity and collectibility make it a timepiece worth pursuing for those who appreciate quality and timeless style. So, go ahead and add this masterpiece to your watch collection and enjoy its timeless beauty for generations to come.
Closing or Disclaimer
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