Rolex Submariner 5514

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About the Rolex Submariner 5514

The Rolex Submariner 5514 is the legendary COMEX Submariner, built exclusively for the French deep-diving firm Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises and the only Submariner ever fitted with a helium escape valve. Made in the 1970s and issued only to professional saturation divers, never sold to the public, it is one of the rarest and most coveted tool watches Rolex has ever produced. WatchGuys carries pre-owned and vintage 5514 watches, each authenticated in-house and backed by a 2-year warranty. Below we cover what the 5514 is, the details collectors verify before buying, what it costs, and how it compares to the 5513 it is based on.

What Is the Rolex 5514?

The 5514 is a professional COMEX-issue Rolex Submariner produced in the 1970s in a 40mm stainless steel Oyster case, based directly on the Rolex 5513 but modified for saturation diving. Its defining feature is the helium escape valve on the side of the case, a one-way valve that releases trapped helium during a diver's decompression, which is normally a feature of the Sea-Dweller rather than the Submariner. It carries a matte black dial with tritium lume and the unmistakable "COMEX" logo above 6 o'clock, Mercedes hands, a domed acrylic crystal, an aluminum bezel insert, and the Caliber 1520 movement. The case back is engraved "ROLEX COMEX" along with the diver's issue number, and because the 5514 was never sold commercially, every example began life as professional equipment.

At this rarity, everything comes down to originality and provenance, and the stakes are exceptionally high. The 5514 was produced in very small numbers, with published estimates varying widely, and because it was issued rather than sold, correct COMEX dials, case-back engravings, and the helium valve must all be right and period-correct. The COMEX-logo dial is the single greatest driver of value, followed by the case-back engraving, the valve, and overall originality. Because these are professional tool watches that saw hard use, and because COMEX watches are among the most valuable and most faked in the vintage market, we verify dial, case, valve, movement, and engraving authenticity in the deepest detail on every 5514 we handle. Documented history tying a watch to its original diver adds significantly to both value and desirability.

Rolex 5514 Price

Pre-owned and vintage Rolex 5514 watches at WatchGuys typically range from $80,000 to $200,000 or more, placing it among the most valuable Submariners and firmly in the top tier of collectible vintage Rolex. Its extreme rarity as a never-sold professional tool watch is the primary driver, along with the originality and condition of the COMEX dial, the case-back engraving, the helium valve, and the case, plus any documented provenance linking it to its original diver. Exceptional, well-documented examples trade toward the top and beyond at major auction. As one of the rarest and most storied professional Submariners, the 5514 sits near the top of vintage Rolex collecting. For pricing and availability on a specific 5514, contact our team directly.

Rolex 5514 vs. 5513

The 5514 is built on the Rolex 5513, the long-running standard no-date Submariner, and the two share the same 40mm case, Caliber 1520, aluminum bezel, and acrylic crystal. The differences are what make the 5514 special. It adds the helium escape valve for saturation diving, carries the COMEX logo on the dial and the "ROLEX COMEX" case-back engraving, and was issued only to professional divers rather than sold in stores. In effect, the 5514 is a 5513 turned into a specialized saturation-diving instrument, which is why some collectors describe it as a Submariner that crosses into Rolex Sea-Dweller territory, since the helium valve is a Sea-Dweller hallmark. The 5513 is the attainable everyday vintage Submariner, while the 5514 is the rare professional cousin. For the wider picture, browse our Rolex Submariner lineup or the full vintage Rolex collection.

Trusted Dealer

Why Buy a Rolex 5514 From WatchGuys

Every pre-owned Rolex 5514 for sale at WatchGuys is authenticated, accurately described, and protected end to end. On a professional tool watch this rare and this valuable, scrutiny is everything, and here is what comes with every purchase.

Common Questions

Rolex 5514 FAQ

• What Is the Rolex 5514 COMEX?

  The 5514 is a Rolex Submariner made exclusively for COMEX, the Compagnie Maritime d'Expertises, a French commercial deep-diving company. Based on the 5513 but fitted with a helium escape valve for saturation diving, it was issued to professional divers as working equipment and never sold to the public. It carries the COMEX logo on the dial and a "ROLEX COMEX" case-back engraving, and it is one of the rarest and most sought-after Submariners in existence.

• Why Does the 5514 Have a Helium Escape Valve?

  Saturation divers spend long periods in helium-rich pressurized environments, and tiny helium molecules can seep into a watch case. During decompression, that trapped helium needs to escape or it can force the crystal off. The helium escape valve is a one-way valve that releases the pressure safely. It is normally a Sea-Dweller feature, which is what makes the 5514 unique: it is the only Submariner ever fitted with one.

• How Rare Is the Rolex 5514?

  Very rare. The 5514 was produced in small numbers exclusively for COMEX and never offered for public sale, so surviving examples are scarce and highly sought-after. Published production estimates vary considerably from one source to another, but all agree the reference is among the rarest Submariners. That rarity, combined with its professional history and unique helium valve, is why the 5514 commands such strong prices.

• Is the 5514 a Submariner or a Sea-Dweller?

  Technically it is a Submariner, based on the 5513 and carrying Submariner reference numbering, but it blurs the line. Because it has a helium escape valve, a feature otherwise reserved for the Sea-Dweller, some collectors describe the 5514 as essentially a Submariner that crosses into Sea-Dweller territory. It is best understood as a specialized professional Submariner built for the same saturation-diving work the Sea-Dweller was designed for.

• How Much Does a Rolex 5514 Cost?

  Pre-owned and vintage 5514 prices at WatchGuys typically range from $80,000 to $200,000 or more, among the highest of any Submariner. Rarity is the dominant factor, along with the originality and condition of the COMEX dial, the case-back engraving, the helium valve, and the case, plus documented provenance tying the watch to its original diver. Exceptional, well-documented examples trade toward the top and beyond. Contact our team for pricing and availability on a specific 5514.

• What Movement Does the 5514 Use?

  The 5514 uses the automatic Caliber 1520, the same robust movement found in the standard 5513 on which it is based. It was a proven, reliable caliber well suited to the demands of professional diving. Because these are decades-old working tool watches, we ensure the movement is correct and properly serviced by a specialist before any 5514 is listed.

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