Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1971
    Reference No: 5513
    Case No: 2'635'353
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1520, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "258" and "7836" to the endlinks, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "3,71"
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    While so-called “pumpkin” dials - the nickname’s reason quite apparent, especially in this case - are known form the market even though very rare, hardly ever such an intense tonality of orange has been seen on a Submariner. This hue stems from the fact that the piece was thoroughly enjoyed throughout its entire lifetime. Analysis of the dial under the microscope does not highlight any sign of tampering: it is our opinion that the color is the result of a natural process and its intensity is the consequence of such intense outdoor usage.

    Beyond the enormous aesthetic impact of the dial, this watch is testament to the utmost reliability of Rolex timepieces: it is a watch that was truly used in the situations it was devised for, and forty years after its birth it still is in remarkably good condition. Furthermore, it appears that all parts of the timepiece are original: no exchange was made during service. The clasp is stamped “3 71”, indicating production in the third trimester of 1971, and the back is stamped “IV 70” (fourth trimester of 1970), both absolutely correct for a 2.635M case made in 1971. Furthermore, this watch bearing a "meters first" dial is perhaps one of the last examples to feature the configuration before the transition to "feet first" dials.

    A possibly unique occasion for the collector of Rolex sport’s timepieces to own what can be unarguably considered one of the most striking 5513 to ever appear on the market.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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1063

Ref. 5513
An extremely attractive and unusual stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, "pumpkin" dial and bracelet

Circa 1971
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 195,000 
€13,700-22,200
$15,400-25,000

Sold for HK$212,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019