Rolex

I guess I should start by saying I am not sure how the name “Pre Comex” has been attributed to the large lume plots of this dial so I will just call it 5513 Maxi dial.   It does seem however, if it was pre Comex it would appear before the original 5513 Comex with HEV as the pre Comex Logo.  The First series of Comex 5513 small number Rolex Comex engraved case back appears to be in the early 1970’s.  While the Maxi dial which seems to be customized for military or special orders so could be on other Military spec Rolex watches of the time .  Maxi again having larger Lume plots are actually touching the index markers and they appear on the civilian 5513 from the around 1976/1977 ish era approx. 4 to 5 million serial range.  I don’t exactly know the exact range as I have not seem too many examples just the one exposed here as a low mid 4 million series.  

This particular dial while in an early 5513 HEV Comex is simply the no logo Comex dial the Maxi which appears later which is pretty much identical is a 5513 Maxi dial MK I or Type I if you like.  Could they have been leftovers from other custom orders or was it really a serial production.  I don’t know. The obvious visual aspect is the large lume plots which are touching the index markers.  The second is the depth is feet first and above the submariner text.  A third aspect is the F and the T are aligned in the middle.  All the other versions which apparently there are 3-5 have the Submariner text above the depth in feet.  I don’t have any examples to share.  But I believe the Maxi MK I is one of the more sought after models commanding a much higher premium than other Maxi dials that came later.

So if you are hunting for a unique and very handsome 5513 Maxi dial the MK I is the one to go after if you can find them.  If you have other versions in your collection please feel free to share them and enjoy them with us here in the forum.