Quote Originally Posted by Sinnlover View Post
South African mils subs can have sterile case backs, they were only lightly engraved if they were at all. It was a simple hand engraved serial number.
The key with South African issued submariners is the watch makers marks inside the case back (as I understand it talking to font of all knowledge on these)
I guess the the reason for not issuing a ‘standard milsub’ is 2 fold. They were taken off the standard production line, same as the Tudor subs and the UK milsub was a special order for the MOD. If Rolex didn’t need to modify their standard watch with a new dial and hands why would they. These black Teflon coated watches are rarer than the 5517 et all. This might be the only one left with the Teflon coating. Most would appear as a standard worn out 5513. It was also not used as a dive watch, just a rugged legible time keeper.

There is still a reluctance to wear anything that can shine / reflect light by the old timers when in the African bush. (from their bush war experiences) Watches, sunglasses and any thing else that can glint is taken off or it’s of a type that will minimise any glint. I can believe something like this was ordered. (It’s the same for anything that might create noise) it was one of the first things drummed in to me by the old boys.
Thank you, very helpful. I suppose it makes sense, the Milsub was made to comply with a Defstan, these were basically a standard watch cleverly disguised.