Rolex Found At The Bottom Of The Ocean After Decades: "It still works!"
Australian surfer and ocean explorer Matt Cuddihy made an extraordinary discovery at the bottom of the ocean—a luxurious Rolex watch that had been submerged for decades and was still in working condition.
The watch in question is a Rolex Submariner 5513, as reported by Le Figaro. Cuddihy found the timepiece in the Noosa area, a renowned surfing destination along the Australian coast. While snorkeling and collecting debris, including broken surfboard fins, Cuddihy stumbled upon the Rolex Submariner, partially concealed by marine debris with its bracelet trapped beneath a stone.
Photo Credit: Mat Cuddihy / Instagram
Cuddihy recounted his experience, stating, "I was snorkeling in my usual spots in Noosa when I noticed a shift in the sand, revealing more rocks than usual. Amongst the rocks, I found seven surfboard fins wedged tightly. As I looked around, I noticed a Rolex Submariner with its band entangled beneath a rock. The glass had become partially frosted from the sand's constant movement." These details were reported by Frattelowatches.com.
The watch in question is a Rolex Submariner 5513, as reported by Le Figaro. Cuddihy found the timepiece in the Noosa area, a renowned surfing destination along the Australian coast. While snorkeling and collecting debris, including broken surfboard fins, Cuddihy stumbled upon the Rolex Submariner, partially concealed by marine debris with its bracelet trapped beneath a stone.
Photo Credit: Mat Cuddihy / Instagram
Cuddihy recounted his experience, stating, "I was snorkeling in my usual spots in Noosa when I noticed a shift in the sand, revealing more rocks than usual. Amongst the rocks, I found seven surfboard fins wedged tightly. As I looked around, I noticed a Rolex Submariner with its band entangled beneath a rock. The glass had become partially frosted from the sand's constant movement." These details were reported by Frattelowatches.com.
The Luxury Rolex Discovered At The Bottom Of The Ocean
The discovery came as a surprise to Cuddihy, who initially thought it might be a counterfeit watch, a knock-off from Bali. He captured images of the Rolex with his GoPro and shared them on Instagram, showcasing a timepiece encrusted with ocean debris, undoubtedly indicating an extended period underwater.
The watch's appearance suggested that it had rested on the ocean floor for several decades. The Rolex Submariner 5513 was produced from 1962 to approximately 1989, providing a rough estimate of the watch's age.
Upon retrieving the Rolex from the ocean, Cuddihy carefully cleaned it, removing the salt, sand, and organic matter. Although the watch emitted an unpleasant odor and exhibited significant bezel corrosion, the second hand continued to move. The crown, however, was jammed, allowing the watch to indicate the time but not accurately within Cuddihy's time zone.
As an experienced explorer of the ocean, Cuddihy expressed his hope that by drawing attention to the random objects he finds and cleans from the seafloor, people will develop a greater awareness of the need to preserve pristine marine environments. He added, "Growing up surrounded by national parks and beautiful beaches has shaped my life. Preserving these natural wonders is a collective responsibility, and I am thrilled to contribute and inspire future generations to appreciate and care for them."
The Rolex Submariner 5513 holds a significant place in the history of Rolex, having been in production from 1962 to 1990. It is one of the longest-running references and is considered one of the most iconic and influential watches ever made.
Prices for the Rolex Submariner 5513 start at approximately $9,000 but can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars for early production examples with rare original dial variations.
The watch's appearance suggested that it had rested on the ocean floor for several decades. The Rolex Submariner 5513 was produced from 1962 to approximately 1989, providing a rough estimate of the watch's age.
Upon retrieving the Rolex from the ocean, Cuddihy carefully cleaned it, removing the salt, sand, and organic matter. Although the watch emitted an unpleasant odor and exhibited significant bezel corrosion, the second hand continued to move. The crown, however, was jammed, allowing the watch to indicate the time but not accurately within Cuddihy's time zone.
As an experienced explorer of the ocean, Cuddihy expressed his hope that by drawing attention to the random objects he finds and cleans from the seafloor, people will develop a greater awareness of the need to preserve pristine marine environments. He added, "Growing up surrounded by national parks and beautiful beaches has shaped my life. Preserving these natural wonders is a collective responsibility, and I am thrilled to contribute and inspire future generations to appreciate and care for them."
The Rolex Submariner 5513 holds a significant place in the history of Rolex, having been in production from 1962 to 1990. It is one of the longest-running references and is considered one of the most iconic and influential watches ever made.
Prices for the Rolex Submariner 5513 start at approximately $9,000 but can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars for early production examples with rare original dial variations.
